The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has finalized plans to furnish agrarian reform communities in Ilocos Norte with PHP50 million worth of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS).
This endeavor seeks to alleviate the financial burden on farmers while boosting their agricultural yield.
Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture:
DAR and Ilocos Norte officials have solidified their commitment through a memorandum of agreement, signifying the commencement of the DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) project. This collaborative effort, initiated at the Governor’s office, paves the way for the integration of SPIS into the region’s farming practices.
Empowering Farmers through Technology:
The SPIS are poised to revolutionize irrigation methods by drastically reducing farmers’ production costs by an estimated 60%. By harnessing solar energy, the need for costly gasoline to power generator sets will be eliminated, thus optimizing resource utilization.
Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Reduction:
Maria Ana Francisco, Director of DAR-Ilocos Region, underscored the transformative impact of solar irrigation projects. She emphasized the substantial decrease in electricity expenses associated with irrigating farmlands, a critical factor in ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Supporting Smallholders and Remote Communities:
Francisco reiterated DAR’s unwavering dedication to irrigation initiatives, which align with its core mandate of land distribution and support for small-scale farmers in geographically isolated areas. This holistic approach aims to empower rural communities and enhance their livelihood prospects.
Swift Implementation for Widespread Impact:
The implementation of this ambitious project is anticipated to commence within the next three months, promising to benefit farmers across all 11 municipalities within Ilocos Norte. This swift action demonstrates a proactive stance in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.