More postharvest tramlines to be built, says PhilMech

More tramlines will be constructed from 2012 to 2016, apart from those that will be completed this year for postharvest use, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) said Friday.   Local government units and farmer organizations pledged to help maintain and operate the tramline system, which encouraged PhilMech to propose a P312 million budget for new tramlines.   Local governments can also help build a tramline by paying for its construction, said PhilMech executive director Ricardo L. Cachuela.   “The success of the tramline project, especially in the very mountainous areas, has been very encouraging. Transport costs for agricultural produce are reduced by half, post harvest losses are decreased and transport time is faster,” Cachuela noted.   Field studies showed losses from agricultural products transported by porters, horse or mules in mountainous areas reach up to 25 percent.   With tramlines, postharvest losses are reduced to as low as 5 percent to 10 percent.   Also, farmers pay or spend at least P10 per kilo to transport their produce using horses or mules, according to the Department of Agriculture in a statement Friday. Using tramlines, farmers will pay only P5 per kilo.   “Reduced transport cost and postharvest losses can easily translate into additional income for farmers,” Cachuela said.   The new tramlines can also be designed to carry a number of people, usually four, and transport farm fertilizers and chemicals, he added.   PhilMech said 53 tramlines have been completed so far this year, and 171 more are under construction.   Of 156 tramlines to be built from 2012 to 2016, 89 are in Luzon, the agency noted. — VS, GMA News