It is now cheaper to deliver agricultural products in some Philippine provinces, says Agri department.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) tech centre has just announced the successful implementation of another cable car system in the Philippines, a project that would significantly help farming be more cost-efficient and modern.

The Agricultural Tramline System (ATS) in Iloilo is the latest out of the 129 tramline projects implemented by the Philippine Centre for Post-harvest and Mechanisation (DA-PHilMech) around the country.  The ATS is a project that aims to reduce transportation cost for farmers as it provides a direct line between farmers and the nearest farm-to-market road, avoiding ravines, rivers and dense vegetation.

The system, worth Php2.9m, significantly reduces the cost of hauling agricultural products by Php1 per kilogram. The tram can support 350 kilograms per trip. The line in San Antonio town, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo stretches 1,241 metres and passes through 47 hectares of farming land.

DA-PHilMech Research Specialist and Engineer Bartolome Tesorero Junior reported that training has already been conducted among the farmers on the proper operation and maintenance of the ATS. When properly maintained, the tram could run smoothly for 15 to 20 years.

The engineer already cautioned the farmers that the tram is not for human transport. However, he clarified to the community that the tram can be used for emergency purposes like snake poisoning or for pregnant women.

Farmers who use the tram are required to pay 50-cents per kilogram. The money will go to the operator for the purchase of fuel and oil. Part of the income will also be given to the local farmers’ association.