Photo from MAFAR
COTABATO CITY—To enhance the farming production of agricultural cooperatives, BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) turned over a solar dryer project on July 14 at Brgy. Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur.
“We celebrate the turnover of the Solar Dryer project, a milestone that holds immense importance for our farmers in Maguindanao, specifically in Datu Saudi Ampatuan,” MAFAR Chief of Staff Arphia Ebus said, who led the turnover ceremony.
“This innovative technology provides our farmers with an efficient and reliable method to dry their crops, safeguarding their quality and nutritional value while reducing post-harvest losses,” she added.
MAFAR Municipal Officer Hamsa Abdul of Datu Saudi Ampatuan underscored the impact of the program on the farmer cooperatives in ensuring farm production in the barangay.
“This solar dryer construction is a tool to nurture prosperity and make a difference in the lives of our farmers,” Abdul said while encouraging the beneficiaries to make use of the farming facility efficiently.
Accordingly, the project was strategically designed to address the needs of farmers in Maguindanao and provide efficient and safe methods of drying crops, preserving their nutritional value, and extending their shelf life.
Meanwhile, a farmer beneficiary from Taguan Magfirah Agriculture Cooperative said, “I am filled with gratitude to ALLAH for this wonderful initiative, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the individuals who made this project possible.”
“This opportunity means, the world is with us farmers and we truly appreciate it. With hopes in our hearts, we believe this endeavor will prove highly effective and contribute to the growth of the agricultural economy, especially in the BARMM region,” he added.
This collaborative effort of the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Special Development Fund (SDF), demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering Bangsamoro farmers to promote sustainable agriculture in Maguindanao province. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO with reports from MAFAR)
