DA-CAR gives packaging materials to heirloom rice farmers

The Department of Agriculture Cordillera through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) gave away packaging materials to the heirloom rice cooperatives in the region last July 26-27, 2017.

Recipients of the materials were the Kalinga Rice Terraces Farmers Agricultural Coop (KRTFAC) based in Pasil, Kalinga and the Mountain Province Heirloom Rice Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MPHRFAC) which is based in Bontoc, Mountain Province. The two cooperatives were organized and being assisted by the DA-CAR.

Each coop received 300 pieces of 50kgs capacity grain pro bag, 3,000 pieces of 1kgs capacity and 5,000 pieces of half kilo capacity vacuum cellophane bags.

According to Jean Mayos, Agriculturist I of AMAD, these packaging materials will help the heirloom rice farmers in storing their products and prolong its shelf life while keeping it from the early attacks of pests or bokbok. “These materials were given in support to the marketing activities of the heirloom rice coops,” she said.

AMAD will also be giving at least 1,500 pcs sticker papers to be used temporarily for product labeling while waiting for the label printed vacuum cellophane bags designed by DA-CAR specifically for the heirloom rice cooperative products of the region which will be distributed by the end of the year. Also an additional 200 pcs grain pro bag with 25 kgs capacity per coop will also be given.

Rowena Sawil, manager of the KHRFAC expressed her gratitude for the DA’s support while receiving the materials. “Without DA’s support we don’t know what we’re doing,” she said.

“Also we are so thankful for the arrival of these packaging materials which we were waiting for especially now when it is harvesting time in Kalinga. These materials will help us in keeping our grains/products and will make it presentable to the market especially when we’re attending exhibits and trade fairs like the Madrid Fusion in Manila,” Sawil added.//