“We are asking the heads of the provincial, city, and municipal agriculture offices to consider shifting their requests to interventions like post-harvest facilities that can create a value chain for rice production under a clustered system, particularly during the dry season,” Dawayan said.

Post-harvest facilities for rice production would involve the establishment of drying sheds, warehouses, hauling trucks, trading capital, weighing scales, coordination with the National Food Authority, and partnerships with credit-lending institutions, among other components.

“We are trying to determine the formula for success. If we want to succeed, these facilities should not just be limited to post-harvest activities. They should evolve into value chain facilities for rice production through a clustering system. Based on the data we’ve gathered, it’s more beneficial for Kalinga’s rice farmers to focus on one rice variety per drying facility, rather than mixing varieties. A single variety produced by clusters can command a higher price,” the Regional Executive Director explained.

Areas in Kalinga identified as potential sites for post-harvest facilities include the rice-producing areas of Tabuk City and the municipalities of Pinukpuk, Rizal, and Tanudan.