DIFFUN, Quirino (PIA) - - The San Antonio, Diffun Farmers Association (SADFA), a rice-producing association based in Brgy. San Antonio here recently received 15 units of Multi-Purpose Speed Solar Drying Trays from the Department of Science and Technology Provincial Office Quirino.

SADFA President Nieves Agbayani thanked the DOST for the said solar drying trays saying that these came during the time that they need to dry their products that were affected by Super Typhoon Karding.

"These are very timely as we need them very much to save our produce," Agbayani said.

Daisy Simon of the DOST said the Multi-Purpose Solar Speed Drying Trays are made of aluminum capable of drying palay up to three times faster than pavement drying.

Simon further said that drying rice is one of the concerns of farmers in the province especially during the wet season and when there is a storm.

"During the onslaught of the typhoon Karding, Quirino is one of the affected areas and farmers may experience loss of profit or potential income so in support to this concern, DOST Quirino distributed multi-purpose solar drying trays or portasol," Simon added.

Each of the drying trays has the capacity of 12.5 kg or ¼ cavan and can minimize wastage compared to the traditional drying process done by farmers. (OTB/TCB/with reports from DOST-PSTC Quirino/PIA Quirino)