IRRI promotes new rice storage technology
PANGASINAN farmers can look forward to higher revenues with the introduction of another new technology.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and GrainPro, Inc. signed a cooperation agreement on December 9 to promote the adoption and dissemination of rice storage technologies in the Philippines.
The agreement is part of an ongoing collaboration between IRRI and GrainPro to develop storage and other technologies that reduce physical and quality losses in the postharvest chain.
“This joint agreement allows us to better provide farmers, farmers’ groups, processors, and seed producers with cost-effective technologies that help reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of rice and seeds,” said Martin Gummert, IRRI senior scientist and head of its Postharvest Unit.
Studies show between 15 and 25% of rice harvest is lost due to inefficient and outdated postharvest operations.
Gummert, whose IRRI unit had piloted improved storage of rice grains and seeds across Southeast Asia, also said he hopes the nonexclusive agreement with GrainPro in the Philippines will hopefully lead to other agreements and partnerships in the region.
GrainPro, Inc. is a private company engaged in the development, manufacture, and commercial distribution of airtight storage systems for rice and other crops.
IRRI and GrainPro have informally cooperated on the development and verification of small-scale airtight storage systems for Asian rice farmers, seed producers, and the commercial sector since 2002.
One result of this cooperation is the “Superbag,” a low-cost technology that allows safe storage of grains and seeds over long periods and provides insect control without pesticides.
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