CITY OF MALOLOS — More than 50 solar-powered irrigation projects are being eyed in Central Luzon by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

This was confirmed to ARKIPELAGO NEWS BULACAN by Josephine Salazar, NIA Central Luzon regional director.

NIA’s Region 3 Office conducted its pilot project with the Kapatiran Solar Pump Irrigation System in Sampaloc, San Rafael, town that started construction on June 1, 2020 and was completed on July 15, 2021. It provided irrigation water supply to 150 hectares of agricultural land in the said town.

This was followed by the Bustos-Pandi (BUSPAN) Solar Pump Irrigation System in Barangay Malamig in Bustos town that was constructed on April 25, 2023 and completed on September 15, 2023 that has a service area of 350 hectares and the Angat-Bustos-Pandi (ANBUSPA) Solar Pump Irrigation System in Barangay Tibagan, Bustos town that was started on April 26 2023 and completed on September 15 this year that irrigates 1,200 hectares of farmlands.

Meanwhile, NIA acting administrator Engr. Eddie Guillen is intensifiying its continuous pursuit on the benefits of developing and constructing solar-powered irrigation projects in 183 sites nationwide already in the pipeline for CY 2024.

An additional 791 potential sites for solar-powered irrigation projects are being proposed to irrigate about 39,694 hectares of agricultural land throughout the country.

For CY 2023, there are 147 potential irrigation sites for solar power amounting to P1,643,583,002 wherein NIA already completed the construction of 17 solar-powered irrigation projects amounting to P117,360,002 as of September 15, 2023.

These projects provide reliable irrigation water supply to 830 hectares of agricultural land nationwide benefitting 801 farmers and their families.

With the modernization and innovation thrusts of the Agency, NIA utilizes the full potential of its irrigation facilities, dams, and reservoirs for agro-tourism, aquaculture, and renewable energy sources.

This proves that aside from providing sustainable and efficient irrigation services, the agency can actually be an active partner for holistic contributions to the country’s development.

In addition to incorporating hydropower in its bigger irrigation projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the agency harnesses the potential benefits of other renewable sources of energy. The use of solar energy is seen to be the most accessible and economically viable.

The NIA continues its ventures for solar-powered irrigation projects as an innovative technology to replace expensive diesel pumps that burdens Filipino farmers.

With the soaring price of gasoline and diesel, these projects can continue to irrigate their lands free from the burden of shouldering high fuel costs.

The technology consists of solar panels, pumps, electronic pump controllers, storage tanks, and conveyor systems. With solar power, it is seen to be more cost-effective than the fuel-powered irrigation pumps due to operation costs.

In the CALABARZON Region, at least 44 farmers of Sikaf Irrigators’ Association, Inc. now benefit on the turned-over solar irrigation project in the Municipality of Cavinti, Laguna with the Talaongan Pump Irrigation Project providing irrigation water supply to 50 hectares of agricultural land in Barangay Silangan, Talaongan. Meanwhile, in Barangay Pag-asa, Mabitac, Laguna, the Masikap Solar Pump Irrigation Project irrigates 13 hectares of farmland, benefitting 33 farmers of Masikap-Canaw Farmers Irrigators, Inc.

Photo: NIA