Drying of chips using a solar dryer

Earlier this year, UNICARBAI MPC (UMPC) in Barangay Basiawan, Sta. Maria, embarked on the aging process of their coco husk chips, storing a minimum of 200 sacks in the area. Although they planned to collect and prepare the aged chips for drying, the persistent rainy season thwarted their efforts to process more coco chips. Just last week, the UMPC facility faced flooding due to relentless rain throughout the day. However, this setback has not deterred their commitment to pursue chip drying.

Mario Lawani, the UMPC general manager overseeing coco husk processing, emphasized the necessity for all coco husk processors to dry their chips, enhancing their market value. He stated, “Drying of coco chips should be a standard practice for all coco husk processors to get more value from their coco chips. We can obtain a better price when delivered as dry chips compared to wet chips.” Lawani added, “Luckily, we are located near the Biogrow Plant in Malalag, resulting in low logistical costs.” UMPC remains dedicated to delivering more dry chips in the upcoming days.

Meanwhile, in Padada, the Fairtrade Farmers Coconut MPC (FFCC) is focused on delivering all their coco chips as aged and dry chips to Biogrow. Over 5,000 sacks of coco husk chips are currently undergoing the aging and drying process, with additional batches of aged chips prepared for the drying phase.