The mechanization level of rice farms in the country has increased to 2.77 hp/ha as of October this year from the 2.68 hp/ha as of 2022, according to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).

With that development, PHilMech is confident that the extension of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Program will result in the attainment of 3 hp/ha for rice farms in the country.

Also, PHilMech is nearing the 30,100-unit distribution target for RCEF-Mechanization Program.

"The RCEF Mechanization Program contributed greatly to the attainment of the improved mechanization level of 2.77 hp/ha for rice farms across the country. With the completion of the first phase of the RCEF-Mechanization Program by June next year, and the proposed extension of the program, we are confident that the mechanization level 3 hp/ha will be attained for rice farms in the country," said PHilMech Director IV Dionisio Alvindia.

As of October this year, PHilMech has distributed under the RCEF-Mechanization Program 29,583 units of farm production machinery and postharvest technologies, representing 95.15% of the targeted 30,100 units. The RCEF-Mechanization program started in June 2019 and will end in June 2025, and will likely be extended for another six years.

"With those latest figures, we at PHilMech are confident that the agency can attain the target of 30,100 units distributed before June next year. And that is a result of the hardwork and dedication of the officers and personnel of the agency, as well as the support of local government units and farm machine suppliers," said Director Alvindia.

Among the machinery provided by the program, rice combine harvesters accounted for 52% of the increase in power while four-wheel tractors chipped in 29%.

With the 30,100 units of machines targeted to be distributed under the RCEF-Mechanization Program, about 14% of rice farms can be covered by mechanization.

It is for that reason that PHilMech is backing the extension of the RCEF-Mechanization Program by another six years with a proposed funding of P9 billion annually.

Director Alvindia said with a six-year extension and P9 billion in annual funding, the proposed second phase of the RCEF-Mechanization Program can cover up to 30% more rice farms, which will result in around 44% mechanization coverage for rice farms nationwide by 2031.

He added that a 44% mechanization coverage for the country's rice farms will make the cultivation of the staple more competitive, and lessen the need for imports.

Also, PHilMech will give equal focus to the establishment of more rice processing centers equipped with modern drying and milling machines, enabling more farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) to enter the rice value chain.

“By having modern drying and milling machines, FCAs and LGUs can directly market their milled rice at the retail level, or to big institutions. This will help increaes their earnings as they no longer have to rely on middle men and outside milling services,” Director Alvindia said.

Furthermore, PHilMech is well-prepared for the extension of the RCEF-Mechanization Program as the agency has put in place the systems to bid out, acquire and distribute farm machines to qualified FCAs and LGUs. Also, PHilMech has been training qualified FCAs and LGUs on the operation and maintenance of farm machines, ensuring their long-term utilization.

Equally important is the extension of the RCEF-Mechanization Program will also encourage more FCAs and LGUs to acquire their own farm machines and to mechanize agriculture, as they will witness the benefits of transitioning to modernized agriculture for another six years.