Farmers beyond the Ilocos Region are embracing a low-cost bamboo-bin dryer promoted by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Batac, Ilocos Norte. This postharvest technology is transforming how palay is dried, making the process more affordable, efficient, and reliable.
Jovelyn Mandalihan of Brgy. Laon, Mogpog, Marinduque, first heard about the dryer through Facebook. Curious, she traveled to Ilocos Norte to buy one for her household. What began as a personal investment quickly caught on—within months, 10 farmers in her community adopted the dryer, eager to protect their harvests from sudden rains.
Farmers who have used the dryer say it significantly cuts postharvest costs and labor, while consistently producing high-quality rice. Unlike traditional sun-drying, which can be slow and weather-dependent, the bamboo-bin dryer ensures the grains reach the right moisture content without delay, preventing discoloration and spoilage.
During a recent field visit, six adopters shared how the dryer had helped them safeguard their palay during unexpected downpours. They’re now planning to get more units to keep up with demand.
The cost benefits are clear: custom-hiring the dryer costs only PhP90 per cavan until moisture reaches 14%, compared to PhP50 per cavan per day for labor-intensive sun-drying that can drag on for weeks. Each unit handles 20–21 cavans per batch—several times more than sun-drying allows.
In Marinduque, where rice quality directly affects market price, achieving the proper moisture content makes a big difference. The dryer helps farmers produce rice that is not only market-ready but also more competitive.
Its ease of use has made it popular with both men and women in the community, making it a truly gender-sensitive tool.
For Mandalihan and her neighbors, the dryer has been a game changer. “One farmer had thought about quitting because drying was so tiring and costly,” she said. “Now, even with heavy rains after harvest, our palay doesn’t rot or lose color.”
Others mention feeling less stressed during sudden weather changes and having more time for their families.
PhilRice Batac is working to spread this success further. After meeting with the local agriculture office, several farmer groups plan to purchase more units. Meanwhile, a solar-powered version is in development to address power interruptions and reduce energy costs, promising even more reliable operation during rainy seasons.
