The Department of Agriculture (DA) is promoting solar-powered ice plants to curb spoilage and post-harvest losses in agriculture and fisheries.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called on the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to jointly fund the project.
“By introducing ice early in the supply chain—from farm to storage, or even directly to market—we can extend the shelf life of produce,” he said.
The project aims to enhance food supply efficiency and boost farmers’ and fishers’ incomes, especially in remote areas.
Using solar and battery systems, the ice plants would help bridge supply chain gaps, particularly for high-value crops and fishery products.
Each plant will produce about 10 metric tons of ice daily, extending the shelf life of vegetables by five to seven days and fish by up to a week.
With improved cold storage, farmers and fishers can expand their market reach without relying on costly refrigerated transport.
Many farmers sell within their localities only, but access to ice could allow them to supply markets nationwide.
Tiu Laurel disclosed plans to integrate the ice plants with food terminals and digital tracking systems to improve logistics, price transparency and distribution efficiency.
