Four farmer groups with 445 members in San Jacinto town, Pangasinan are benefiting from the 15 Portasol, a multi-purpose hybrid solar drying trays from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), an official said Wednesday.

The Hilltop Organic Farmers League of San Jacinto Inc., Away Labney Lobong Irrigators Association, and Bolo Labney Lobong San Jose Irrigators Association were given four solar drying trays each last August 6 while Awai Upper Hills Farmers Association got three trays.

In an interview, DOST Ilocos Region project technical assistant Christian Dominic Casimiro said distribution of the solar drying trays is under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program of the agency.

He said the project has a total cost of PHP547,500.

Portasol is an aluminum thermal tray system that can be stacked up to ten tiers high, accommodating 150 kilograms of crops per drying cycle, Michael John Maquiling, Pangasinan Provincial Science and Technology Office Supervising Science Research Specialist, said in a statement.

“This technology is recognized for its ability to prevent pests and enhance storage ventilation, incorporating breathing spaces among the multi-tiered stored grains. This design mitigates the risk of fungal mold, rot, and mildew, ensuring the high quality and marketability of the harvested produce,” he said.

The equipment is aimed at helping farmers avoid continuous wasteful drying of rice, among others, every harvest season compared to the traditional way of drying on pavement and roads.

It is also beneficial in drying post-harvest products effectively and enhancing agricultural productivity specifically on rice and monggo production. (PNA)