BANGUED, Abra – A multipurpose cooperative in Abra is partnering with the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera in the establishment of a rice processing center to assist farmers in the province.
The Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (Adtempco) is assisted by the DA in the building of a rice processing center and warehouse. DA has earlier granted the coop a hauling truck and a rice mill.
Adtempco chief executive officer, Engr. Irene Bringas, said they have diversified into other agricultural services as the Diocese of Bangued has entrusted the coop to manage an 18-hectare agricultural land it owns.
The area is the location of the rice processing center and where various rice facilities are currently lodged.
Bringas said the role of the coop is to purchase the palay of the members. These are then processed for members who want to purchase rice.
In coordination with the National Food Authority, Adtempco also plans to become a palay consolidator.
Bringas hopes DA will provide additional facilities such as rice drying area or pavement and a circular drier for use during wet season to boost the existing rice processing facilities.
Rosemarie Tesoro, head of the Abra Agriculture Program Coordinating Office, said Adtempco is qualified to acquire interventions from the DA for the coop has been helping a lot in the agriculture sector of the province apart from being a conduit in the implementation of various programs of the agency.
Apart from consolidation and selling of the rice produce, Tesoro said Adtempco could also help sell other agricultural products of members.
“Nagadu ti rice farmers tayo ngem problema da ti paglakuan da ti apit da,” Tesoro said.
Adtempco has 19,000 members. – Susan C. Aro
April 26, 2024
