MARCH 24, 2026 — In a major boost to local agriculture, the Provincial Agriculture Office has begun harvesting part of a 30-hectare rice farm under the PalaysikatSTAN Program using a combine harvester. The rice reached full maturity after approximately 110–120 days, marking the ideal time for harvest.

The use of mechanized harvesting under the Agriculture Mechanization Program significantly accelerated operations compared to traditional manual harvesting, helping reduce post-harvest losses and labor costs for farmers. Officials report that the harvested rice displayed uniform ripening and high grain quality, reflecting careful management at every stage of cultivation.

Immediately after harvest, the palay was transported, threshed, and dried following strict post-harvest standards to ensure the highest product quality. These measures are expected to maximize yield and directly benefit the farmers’ income, while also providing a model for sustainable and modernized rice production.

Agricultural experts note that mechanization can play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, reducing losses, and increasing competitiveness for local farmers. However, questions remain about accessibility and cost: Can smallholder farmers across the country truly adopt mechanization, or will these benefits remain limited to better-funded operations?

(Larawan mula: Provincial Government of Quezon / Facebook)