Groundbreaking for P200-million rice processing plant set in August
The groundbreaking for the P200-million Modern Integrated Rice Processing Complex in Brgy. Amamaros in Pototan, Iloilo is set next month, the Department of Agriculture 6 said in a press release.
Representatives of the Korea International Cooperation Agency along with the Korean contractors visited the project site recently, and held a consultative meeting with local officials in Iloilo and Department of Agriculture executives.
The KOICA released P150 million for the project while the remaining P50 million was provided by the DA and the LGUs.
The one-hectare rice processing complex, composed of receiving, drying, milling and storage facilities, is expected to be completed in a year. The project site was donated by the Pototan municipal government, which will also take charge of the site development, water supply, security and other administrative support.
The DA is working on the permit requirements, shipment of equipment from South Korea, and other major construction expenses.
Agriculture Regional Technical Director Remelyn Recoter said the project is expected to help increase rice production so that the country’s rice importation will be reduced.
It also aims to improve the region’s rice production system through reduction in post-harvest losses and better quality of milled rice.
The rice processing complex is expected boost to the rice industry, not only of Iloilo also of the entire Western Visayas , the second highest rice-producing region in the Philippines, with total production of 2.21 million metric tons in 2009.
