Seaweed farmers may soon expand their production as the Seaweed Solar Dryer and Storage Facility funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is starting to rise in Brgy. New Mabuhay, Dinagat, Dinagat Islands

With a target completion date by December, the project will support the seaweed business enterprise by focusing on providing production inputs, buying fresh seaweeds from member farmers, and processing of produce to raw dried seaweeds. This will help the New Mabuhay Seaweed Farmer and Fisherfolks Association (NMSFFA) increase the production of dried seaweeds from its members.

A Seaweeds Solar Drier, which will be constructed along the coast of Brgy. New Mabuhay with a capacity of 7,500kg per batch will improve the quality of raw dried seaweeds. This will be coupled with a 3x6m storage warehouse with a capacity of 5mt and a motorized flatboat for hauling wet and dried seaweeds from the association members.

Aside from seaweed production, the subproject will also support community-based enterprises. This includes the proper handling and moving of seaweed commodities and enhance the post-harvest processing to increase the income of the farmers and the NMSFFA.

In year one, this project envisions to produce and market 109,209 kg of quality dried seaweeds as an added enterprise. It also aims to generate an income of P2.9M for the enterprise and increase fisher household beneficiaries’ income by 25%, from Php73,863.64 to Php92,350.77. (Zenny G. Awing | RPCO 13)