Pinoy invents post-harvest solar drying tray

MANILA, Philippines - For decades, no significant stride has been made in upgrading post-harvest facilities or systems. The prohibitive cost of high-tech local or imported equipment is an aggravating factor.   Available stretches of pavement and concrete bed slabs are a throwback to defective, primitive ways. 

A recent study by the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, reveals that the country is experiencing P15 billion in average perennial post-harvest losses yearly due to old, wasteful drying practices.

Members of the Filipino Inventors’ Society (FIS) also surmise that the pavement drying practice, whether on roads and highways or on “multi-purpose” built slabs, is the culprit in grains production losses.

In the interest of post-harvest improvement in agricultural production, Francisco “Popoy” Pagayon, president of the newly created Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative (FISPC) in Quezon City, recently invented a multi-purpose post-harvest solar speed-drying thermal tray called Portasol.

“My new invention is a simple solution to an old problem and an immediate response to the cry of all our farmers for simple, easy, more effective and indigenous dryers that will put an end to the country’s extensive perennial post-harvest losses,” says Pagayon.

Portasol is targeted to be introduced nationwide to revolutionize the entire post-harvest system through a simple and affordable yet dramatically effective and efficient method.

The Portasol tray drying system is more effective, more efficient and reliable and evidently two to three times faster as compared to the conventional practice of pavement drying. Considerable ease and convenience in collecting, re-sacking and storing dried grains is also observed.

Satisfactory drying quality is obtainable even if the trays are stacked five to 10 tiers high although drying time in this case is almost twice as long and is recommended only when space is limited.

Pagayon’s invention is practical and convertible for drying palay, corn, beans, vegetables, fruits, and fish (daing).

Using Portasol also prevents pest infestation and allows storage ventilation or “aerating” by providing necessary breathing spaces between multi-tiers of stored grains to avoid fungal mold, rot and mildew spoilage. 

“Portasol is designed for the Filipino farmer.  Once he uses it, he will find that he can never do again without it. His storehouse will increase. His income will increase.  He will be a better farmer,” says Pagayon.

The new product is now displayed at the FISPC’s showroom and business center at the Delta building on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact the FISPC at 709-0260, e-mail [email protected] or visit www. filipinoinventorssociety.com.