The government plans to deploy solar-powered modular on-site cold storage facilities to reduce postharvest losses of farmers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with Next Agri Corp. Philippines Inc. and Ecofrost Technologies India for the rollout of the “innovative and inclusive technology” in off-grid rural and remote locations where agriculture, fisheries and allied activities often suffer from unstable power supply, said DA Secretary William Dar.
Dar said due to the lack of cold-storage facilities, farmers are being forced to sell their goods at lower prices, often realizing lower than 50 percent of their actual produce value.
DA did not provide the timeline for the project but said the facility shoule be affordable and sustainable. After-sales service should also be a requisite for all agri-fishery equipment manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
