THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has turned over the P3.7-million post-harvest facility to the Libas Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (LF-MPC) based in Barangay Libas in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
The postharvest facility is expected to reduce postharvest losses of farmers in the town of Jabonga, DAR Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay said.
The project is jointly funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which is implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III and the local government unit of Jabonga.
The DAR, through its foreign-assisted projects office, has implemented various projects in support of farmers in the town of Jabonga, which include farm-to-market road, irrigation system, agri-enterprise projects and postharvest facility.
LFMPC Chairman Elson P. Morada said the infrastructure project addresses the cooperative’s proposed business venture and help boost farmers’ income.
The facility has a floor area of 200 square meters, and is equipped with lighting and water systems suitable for coconut virgin-oil-processing plant, which the cooperative is planning to put up.
Jabonga Mayor Jasmin F. Monton urged beneficiaries to maintain the facility, as it will help the farmers become more productive.
With the postharvest facility, he said he expects farmers to make their business more commercially viable.