Subic is home to first hermetic storage systems for grains, seeds

GrainPro Philippines, Inc. announced the opening of the world’s first plant dedicated to the production of airtight hermetic storage systems for grains and seeds at the Subic Freeport Zone in Subic Bay, Zambales last month.

The plant will manufacture hundreds of cocoons for the Asian, African and American markets of GrainPro.

GrainPro Philippines manufacturers storage systems called GrainPro cocoons using state-of-the-art high-frequency welding equipment from Taiwan. The factory is the first of its kind in Asia that can manufacture high quality inflatable and gas tight products for safe and long storage of grains. With the use of these high-tech cocoons, farmers and farm operators can reduce post-harvest losses to one percent or less, which in the developing world may otherwise reach up to 25 percent.

Through its hermetic storage technology, post harvest losses of grains, seeds, and high value crops, particularly in hot, humid climates are prevented. This technology allows safe storage of crops like rice, corn, wheat, coffee, cocoa, and peanuts for very long periods of time, preventing damage from insects, rodents and molds.

Bayer CropScience Philippines, a world leading producer of high quality hybrid rice seeds, was one of the first seeds suppliers to invest in this state-of-the-art technology to store their seeds enabling them to preserve and prolong the viability of valuable hybrid rice seeds. According to Bayer CropScience supply chain manager Analen dela Rosa, who also attended the launch of the plant, hermetic storage using cocoons works effectively in maintaining the quality of the seeds.

“Losses due to weevil infestation and common storage pests were significantly reduced close to zero percent thereby solving the company’s major problems during storage. The three-month record of hermetic storage using Arize-Bigante shows a minimal reduction in germination rate compared to substantial losses under ordinary room condition” Dela Rosa said.

Bayer plans to  expand the use of this technology to cater to the growing demand of farmers for high quality Bigante hybrid rice seeds. As a key partner of GrainPro, Dela Rosa said that they are happy that GrainPro developed such a nice manufacturing facility here in the Philippines.

“This proximity will give in the company all the  flexibility and reactivity we require to  ensure and further strengthen our supply chain operations,” adds Dela Rosa.