DA to Build Solar-Powered Irrigation in Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental is the "Organic Capital" of the Philippines. I was able to visit the province through the Agricultural Training Institute's Organic Farm Tours. #OABloggers including me visited a number of farms in the province and had the opportunity to talked to our farmers.

During our interview with the farmers, we found out that one of their major concerns is the scarcity of water supply. This was addressed by the Department of Agriculture by building solar-powered irrigation in Negros Occidental to boost food production in the province.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the department will construct a solar-powered irrigation system this year for its attached agency Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Murcia in Negros Occidental.

“I was dismayed to learn that the average yield in the 90-plus-hectare experiment area is only five metric tons per hectare. PhilRice said they have a problem with their water supply and they could hardly plant twice a year,” Piñol said.

A 2.5-hectare impounding dam is currently being constructed to supply the farm with water from a river nearby using a diesel powered engine to pump water. However, the operation of the pump would be very expensive and it could not fill the huge reservoir. Secretary Piñol ordered for the establishment of a solar-powered irrigation to address the problem.

This is definitely a good news to our farmers in Negros Occidental. With the building of solar-powered irrigation, the agriculture in Negros Occidental will level up, more crops and opportunities for our farmers and their families