Manila: More than one million farmers across the nation are experiencing increased income as a result of the modern rice mills and dryers provided by the government.

According to Philippines News Agency, a report by the Department of Agriculture submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reveals that 151 rice processing systems (RPS) have been established throughout the country via the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that 87 of these systems are already operational, with the remainder set to commence in the coming days. Through these modern post-harvest facilities, farmers are benefiting from an additional PHP2 to PHP3 per kilo, translating to a 3 to 5 percent rise in income.

The 151 RPS, each comprising a modern rice mill and dryers, have been distributed to various rice farmers' cooperatives and associations across 40 local government units. President Marcos recently visited one of these facilities in Nueva Ecija, witnessing firsthand how the modern technology is aiding farmers.

'Nandito na ang milling, nandito na ang drying. Lahat ng value-added eh nandito. Naiiwan sa kooperatiba. Naiiwan sa magsasaka,' Marcos remarked. 'Yung mga nagsasaka, nakangiti. Ibig-sabihin maayos ang kanilang hanap-buhay,' he added, highlighting the positive impact on farmers' livelihoods.

The government is advocating for more effective and modernized farming practices through the RCEF, which is funded with PHP9 billion annually. In addition to rice mills and drying facilities, the Marcos administration is also distributing tillers, tractors, seeders, threshers, and irrigation pumps to farmers.

More than 8,000 farmers' cooperatives have benefited from the program, gaining the opportunity to better support their members. By the end of the year, 370 rice drying facilities and warehouses are expected to be established, further benefiting farmers nationwide.