New abaca stripping machine developed

An improved mobile spindle stripping machine for the extraction of abaca fiber has been developed by government researchers.

The machine was crafted by agricultural engineers of the Department of Agriculture-Fiber Industry Development Agency (FIDA) with funding support from the DA Guinintuang Masaganang Ani-High Value Commercial Crop Program (CMQ-HVCCP).

The device was among "mature technologies" exhibited during the 2006 National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum organized recently by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) under its National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP).

Adriano Valenzuela, FIDA agricultural engineer, discussed the machine’s features, particularly its capabilities, during the forum.

The device has been proven to be effective in extracting abaca fiber in at least 15 experimental sites in Luzon (particularly in the Bicol Region), Visayas and Mindanao, reported BAR headed by Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.

BAR said that the machine can extract 80-120 kilograms per day with fiber recovery of 1.52 to 2.3 percent of good to excellently cleaned fibers.

It is also safe and easy to operate owing to the provision of a clutch mechanism wherein the operator can stop the rotation of the spindle when an untoward incident happens. The fiber that sticks in the spindle can also be easily and safely removed.

"Mobility using a carabao or any motorized vehicle allows the machine to be brought to and extract the fiber near or right at the plantation, thus reducing cost of tuxy," BAR stated.

A number of farmers’ cooperatives associations, as well as local government units, in abaca-producing regions have adopted the technology. – Rudy A. Fernandez