By Maria Caroline A. Lopez | November 16, 2025

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) is highlighting the advantage of using mechanical rice threshers to make rice harvesting faster and more efficient.

PHilMech Project Assistant John Jayson Cabrera said the use of the machine significantly reduces labor costs and postharvest losses while increasing productivity in rice farms.

“The mechanical rice thresher is a huge help in speeding up the harvesting process. If we do it the traditional way, it actually takes a long time since it’s done manually. For a one-hectare field, you would need around 10 to 50 workers, and it could take two to three days depending on the season,’’ he said.

Cabrera noted that the mechanical rice thresher can harvest one to two hectares per day, allowing farmers to save time, especially during unfavorable weather conditions.

He added that another advantage of using the machine is the reduced labor requirement —around 5 people only —as some will handle the bagging, allowing farmers to finish faster, especially when they need to harvest immediately before an approaching typhoon.

Cabrera said the equipment also helps produce cleaner grains, resulting in better prices for farmers when selling their harvest.

“When done manually, farmers still need to clean and separate the straw, but with the thresher, it automatically blows and removes the husks. Buyers and traders tend to lower prices if the grains are dirty, so cleaner palay means better prices and higher income for our farmers,” he explained.

He reminded farmers to avoid overfeeding the thresher, ensure the palay is dry before use, and regularly clean the machine to maintain its efficiency.

Cabrera also encouraged farmers to undergo training offered by PHilMech’s Technology Management and Training Division to gain practical knowledge in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, adding that those interested may send a request letter to the PHilMech director to participate in the program.

“For those who want to learn more about the machines provided by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, PHilMech offers training courses on land preparation, crop establishment, harvesting and threshing, drying and milling, and even machine repair and troubleshooting,” Cabrera stated.

Cabrera emphasized that the time and effort farmers invest in attending these training sessions will not only enhance their skills but also help improve their livelihood and community.

Overall, PHilMech showcased mechanical rice threshers as an efficient solution that saves time, lowers labor costs, and ensures cleaner, higher-quality harvests for farmers’ income and productivity. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3–Nueva Ecija GIP)