News Details

P11.4-M Solar-Powered Warehouse Boosts Harvest Efficiency for Ilocos Norte Farmers

NPO

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October 23, 2025

LAOAG CITY — Over 500 garlic farmers in Vintar, Ilocos Norte are set to benefit from a newly inaugurated ₱11.4-million multi-purpose warehouse equipped with a solar dryer in Barangay San Jose — a facility expected to significantly boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality and market value of local produce.

Vintar Municipal Agriculturist Maricel Serrano said the full utilization of the new warehouse is expected by early next year, coinciding with the February harvest season.

“Most of our farmers are now preparing their lots for planting this November,” Serrano shared. “Once operational, the warehouse will help maintain the freshness and viability of the harvest by up to 50 percent longer, while cutting post-harvest losses by at least five percent.”

The project — jointly funded by the World Bank, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the local government of Vintar — is part of the Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-Up, a national initiative to modernize and strengthen the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors through infrastructure and innovation.

Aside from garlic, the warehouse will also cater to nearby farmers producing rice, peanut, onion, and corn, who can use the storage and solar dryer for a minimal fee. The facility includes a 128-square-meter warehouse and a 432-square-meter solar drying area, designed to help farmers achieve better price margins ranging from 17.42% to 127.27% depending on the crop and market conditions.

During the turnover ceremony held on October 15, 2025, Vintar Mayor Richard Degala lauded the project as a milestone in local agricultural development.

“This warehouse ensures safe and efficient storage for our farmers’ produce. With the solar dryer, they no longer need to use road shoulders to dry their crops, minimizing losses and ensuring cleaner, higher-quality products,” Degala said.

The initiative is expected to become a model for sustainable agri-infrastructure in Northern Luzon, aligning with the government’s push toward climate-smart and community-centered agricultural growth.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR