CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over two facilities for calamansi growers in Cabanatuan City.

These include a P1.46-million Calamansi Processing Facility and a P2.63-million Vegetable Cold Storage Facility which were both received by the Lucky Farmers Association from barangay Calawagan.

DA Regional Field Office III High Value Crops Development Program Focal Person AB David said these facilities will be a big help to the group, particularly during harvest season, so that they can process and at the same time put some in the cold storage to extend the shelf life of their produce.

“Through these facilities, DA aims to contribute in ensuring a stable supply of vegetables throughout the year, because the same with onions, vegetables are harvested only once a year,” she pressed.

The Calamansi Processing Facility includes a Calamansi Juice Extractor. 

David explained that calamansi spoils quickly, but if processed, its shelf life will be longer and provide more income to farmers.

The Vegetable Cold Storage Facility, on the other hand, has a capacity of 100 bags or equivalent to 2,500 kilos of varieties of vegetables except onions, which require a lower storage temperature.

David said the project aims to benefit not only the 140 members of the group but also farmers from neighboring areas.

“There will be a minimal charge for the use of cold storage to be implemented by the association that will be allocated for the operating expenses of the facilities to ensure full utilization of the projects in the long run,” she clarified.

David also explained that the first requirement for requesting equipment and facilities from the DA is that members of the association or cooperative must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) must send a formal letter or request to the agency with endorsement of their Municipal or City Agriculture Office, the Local Chief Executive, and the Provincial Agriculturist.

If the documents are complete, they can send the letter to the DA through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

The received request undergoes validation to check the feasibility of projects in the specified area identified by the FCAs. (CLJD/CCN-PIA 3)