Technology-based solar dryer to benefit fisherfolk

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BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Friday, September 8, 2017
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FISHERFOLK and residents of coastal barangays in Sagay City in Negros Occidental are expected to benefit from a newly constructed technology-based multi-purpose solar dryer.

Through the facility, which is initially composed of three greenhouse-like structures, the targeted beneficiaries can produce quality rock salt or process other products that need solar drying like fish, coconut and others – in any weather condition.

The facility comes with an innovative design and layout thatis expected to enhance the production process and the quality of rock salt to be produced.

The coastal residents will be able to harvest more quality rock salt – rain or shine – and eventually develop by-products from the crystalized salt like nigari, which is described as the mineral-rich mother liquor that remains after salt is extracted from seawater.

Nigari contains sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium chloride, and magnesium bromide.

It is a natural element which can be used to coagulate soy protein to produce tofu.

The project was realized after a partnership was sealed between Ecological and Agricultural Development Foundation, Inc. (Eco-Agri) – a vital arm of Bacolod City-based R.U. Foundry and Machine Shop Corporatio (RUFMSC), and Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST), with the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Sagay City.

The construction and design of the facility was led by agri-marketing specialist Louie B. Pacana, and implemented by the technical personnel of Eco-Agri/RUFMSC, and the technical support was provided by NONESCOST Research Director Jocelyn B. Bantigue, and Central Philippines State University Professor Dr. Aladino “Nonoy” Moraca, concurrent executive director of Eco-Agri.

The logistics was mainly provided by RUFMSC under the leadership of Ramon Uy Sr., with the administrative support of Sagay City Mayor Alfredo D. Marañon III, and with the consultative efforts of Manny Duterte and Italian ceramics specialist Victorino Modonesi, who is incidentally a culinary expert.

Aside from producing quality and culinary-grade rock salt, the facility, which is located at Sitio Punta Roma, Barangay Old Sagay in Sagay City, can also be used to dry fish, coconut meat, and other commodities produced in the locality.

The innovative facility can be used during the rainy season, and even when the rains come during the supposed dry months.

By the use of traditional open salt beds, rain can dissolve the crystallizing salt, and can contaminate the brine before the last stage of the usual production cycle.

To produce culinary rock salt using this innovative facility, seawater is supplied by a solar-powered pump that is stationed on a floating platform which is more than 300 meters away from the shoreline – ensuring that the seawater to be processed is free from floating debris and has a higher salinity.

With its simple but efficient design, even the women and the youth living in the coastal areas of Punta Roma can easily operate the facility.

Since the production of culinary or gourmet rock salt through the facility can be continuous, the project is expected to augment the income of the local fisherfolk in the barangay. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)

 
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