Capiz: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Wednesday said Capiz farmers could expect an increase in yield and a cut in production costs following the installation of a PHP7-million solar-powered irrigation system allowing them to farm year-round and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

According to Philippines News Agency, DAR revealed in a news release that its Matagnop Solar-Powered Irrigation Project (SPIP), implemented in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), has been providing a reliable water source to 30 hectares of farmland in the Matagnop-Agtambi-Malonoy Agrarian Reform Community (MAM ARC) since its official handover to the Matagnop Royale Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) in Dao in November.

The project serves as a testament to the government's commitment to empowering agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), according to Zenaida Andrada, DAR-Capiz OIC-Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer. By guaranteeing dependable irrigation access, the initiative aims to equip farmers with the necessary tools to boost yields, improve income, and maintain their livelihoods.

Funded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Irrigation Component (CARP-IC), the project directly benefits 33 farmers, predominantly ARBs. The enhanced irrigation system is anticipated to increase crop yields, enable continuous farming throughout the year, and aid in reducing poverty within the community.

The SPIP system features deep well facilities, two solar-powered pumps, pump houses with perimeter fencing, a 932.30-meter bench flume, stilling pools, drainage crossings, and other structures to ensure efficient water delivery to farms. By utilizing renewable energy, the system not only lowers irrigation costs but also guarantees consistent water access during dry months, ultimately enhancing food production and bolstering the local agricultural economy.