THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Mafar-Barmm) is constructing an P8 million rice-processing complex in the town of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Engineer Ismael Guiamel, Mafar agriculture director, said the rice processing complex, which will be equipped with newly introduced technologies, aims to help farmers of Datu Paglas and neighboring areas increase their income by reducing post-harvest losses and produce high-quality milled rice.

Guiamel said, through the facility, the farmers' production will be increased by more than 10 sacks from what they earn annually, and their post-harvest losses will be reduced as well.

“I hope this project will play a key role in developing the agriculture sector of Maguindanao in attaining food security in Barmm,” he said.

Officials of the Mafar conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on September 23. Upon completion of the project, the ministry will turn over the facility to Datu Paglas Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative. (SunStar Zamboanga)