Aklan Province to have rice brand soon

KALIBO, Aklan- The Aklan provincial government will soon launch a rice brand that will emphasize the diligence of Aklan farmers.

Outgoing provincial board member Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz said during the fourth quarterly meeting with the Provincial Agriculture Fisheries Council (PAFC) at the newly built Aklan Food Terminal here.

“We have observed that several Aklanon farmers sold their palay to Mindoro, and when milled it is then called Mindoro Rice when being sold nationwide. To protect the interests of Aklanon farmers, we will be coming up with an Aklan Rice Brand soon,” he said.

It was gathered that the Aklan Rice will be labeled as ‘A Proud Product of Aklanon Farmers’ to be printed on the sack of rice. The province has recently established a milling machine for rice production.

“We also have some plans for next year that would boost food security in the province. We are the only province in Western Visayas to have obtained its own milling machine,” he added.

For his part, Engr. Ricardo Agravante Jr. of the PAFC said he also hopes that all farmers associations in the province would have their own milling machines.

“Many of our farmer associations have their own farming machines provided through the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF). If they could be provided with the milling capability, they could boost their income because of the value added processes,” he added.