Gaps in pili processing to yield opportunities for the industry

Bicol Mail

THE Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RUMEPP) of the Department of Trade and Industry will try to find out the gaps affecting the processing of pili nut in the province.

The move aims to strengthen the industry by encouraging local micro entrepreneurs to invest in another related business that would enable them to address the gaps in processing their products.

Jay Ablan, DTI-Camarines Sur public information officer, cited as an example the problem on the product’s packaging materials, which he said are not readily available in the province.

He said one has to travel as far as Manila to be able to purchase and get the correct thickness and specifications of the packaging materials.  Thickness is important in seeing to it that the product will have a better shelf life.

Thru partnership with the Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes, Inc. (ARDCI), the micro-entrepreneurs will be lent with money to enable them achieve an uninterrupted and expeditious processing of pili nut.

He said, under the plan, a group from the micro entreps might engage in the packaging and labeling business while the other group might focus their attention in resolving other aspects of pili nut processing.

At least 100 micro entrepreneurs will have a complete idea on the matter on June 28, this year, thru the “Road Show on the Potentials of Pili Nut” seminar where the product’s value chain will be discussed thoroughly to identify the gaps.  The seminar will be held at the Naga Regent Hotel.