Paoay: Small farmers here are looking forward to harvesting high-value crops all year round with the help of a government-funded solar-powered irrigation project. The PHP6.9-million project, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), was formally turned over to the Dakkel nga Ili Farmers Agricultural Cooperative in Barangay 26 Oaig Upay Abulao in this town on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marlon Gallano, president of the Dakkel nga Ili Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, stated that the project is a significant benefit to the farmers as it is expected to reduce production costs by 30-40 percent. Gallano mentioned in a phone interview that solar-powered irrigation systems are more efficient compared to diesel water pumps, with only a minimal fee required from the farmers.

The project includes 24 units of solar panels that generate free electricity from a river, capable of irrigating approximately 15 hectares of farmland. A concrete irrigation canal was also constructed, allowing free-flowing water to reach farmlands where rice and corn are the major crops.

To enhance agricultural production and reduce reliance on electric or fuel-powered pumps, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the DA, has been installing more solar-powered irrigation systems, particularly in non-irrigated farmlands across the country. The DA's prototype for a solar-powered irrigation system can pump an average volume of 1,000 cubic meters over six to eight hours, meeting the water needs of a 10-hectare land during a single irrigation cycle.