Monday, November 22, 2010

New rice facilities opened in Nueva Ecija


SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, Nov. 19 (PNA) -- New rice facilities that aimed to increase efficiency and productivity of the government’s leading rice research agency is now operational.

The International Training Center, National Center, National Rice Seed Buffer Stock Warehouse and Farm Operations and Machinery Center were formally opened during the recent silver anniversary celebration of the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) here.

The launching was led by Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

The International Training Center was renovated with 48 redesigned rooms equipped with flat TVs, comfort area and air-conditioning unit.

The National Buffer Stock Seed Warehouse, on the other hand, will be used to house a safety stock of rice seeds in reserve against the risk of stock shortage.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Program, the warehouse has a total floor area of 1260 square meters (30 m x 42 m) and can store 10,000 sacks of rice at 40 kg/bag.

Established at PhilRice stations in Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Negros, Agusan and Midsayap, the warehouse aims to increase the access of growers and farmers on seeds, particularly in times of natural calamities.

PhilRice also opened the Farm Operations and Machinery Center which was built to house and store farm machines and equipment of the Farm Operations and Mechanization Unit.

The center will mechanize seed production farm operations and research.

With a total area of 647 square meters, the center will house various machinery including land preparation equipment, hauling trucks, tractors and trailers.

(PNA)
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