DA Beefs up Mango Chips Production in Maguindanao

Cotabato City (PIA) — In a bid to boost mango chips production in Maguindanao province, the Department of Agriculture in ARMM turned over mango chips drying facilities to two cooperatives operating in the area.

Recipients of two units of mango chips drying equipment are Green Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Marigalupa, Parang and Masaganang Kabuhayan MPC in Bugawas, Datu Odin Sinsuat, a report from DA-ARMM noted.

Regional Agriculture Secretary Alexander Alonto, Jr. handed-over the certificates and the actual unit to Engr. Nasrodin Ebrahim and Mokamad Ulis, coop chairmen of Green Valley and Masaganang Kabuhayan MPCs, respectively.

Each processing facility costs Php500,000.

Alonto said it was the first time that DA-ARMM granted such facilities to qualified farmer groups in the region. The facilities were granted under the Agri-Pinoy High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP).

Meanwhile, Senior Agriculturist Hadja Jalika Mangacop, HVCDP regional coordinator revealed that two more farmer-cooperatives are scheduled to receive the same processing facility. These are Rural Improvement Club of Jolo in Sulu and Lupah Pula Farmers and Fisherfolk Marketing Cooperative in Bongao,Tawi-Tawi.

Mangacop elaborated that the mango chips dryer, which can be operated by liquefied petroleum gas or electricity, can process 75 kilograms of mango within 45-60 minutes.

Prior to the expected peak of mango harvest the recipient cooperatives are scheduled to undergo training and dry run of the machines in April and May. (DEDoguiles-PIA12 with report from RAFID-ARMM)