TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Five mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps have been deployed in Cagayan province to help save crops from water shortages, as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region II steps up efforts to bring water to farms struggling with inadequate irrigation.

Launched in August, the project targets agricultural areas with limited access to water from the Cagayan River, the longest river system in the Philippines, where declining water levels threaten crops and farmers' livelihoods, particularly during El Niño-related dry spells. El Niño episodes typically bring below-normal rainfall to the Philippines, and agriculture-dependent provinces in northern Luzon such as Cagayan, one of the country's leading corn- and rice-producing areas, are among the most exposed to the resulting water stress.

The impact of water shortages has already been felt by the Muhara Irrigators' Association. Its president, Samuel Agustin, had said many seedlings dried up and died after farmers began planting on June 15. Only a few farmers managed to proceed with planting, while others faced mounting debts and potential losses.

Each mobile unit runs on eight 580-watt solar panels, delivering a total capacity of 4.64 kilowatts. Equipped with a 50-meter hose and a surge protection device, each pump can irrigate an estimated two to three hectares daily, depending on sunlight and operating conditions. Across the five units, that works out to a combined estimated coverage of roughly 10 to 15 hectares a day.

Beyond keeping crops watered, the solar-powered pumps are expected to ease farmers' fuel expenses. NIA estimates that each unit could save around P3,060 daily in fuel costs, freeing up money for seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs. Across the five units, the projected daily savings come to about P15,300 — potential breathing room for growers, some of whom are already carrying debts from this season's failed planting.

NIA Region II regional manager Raymuno Apil said the agency seeks to strengthen irrigation services, protect crops from drought and help stabilize farmers' incomes. By harnessing solar energy, NIA hopes to bring more reliable water access to vulnerable farmlands and bolster food security across Cagayan Valley, an agricultural region that also comprises the provinces of Batanes, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

— Artemio A. Dumlao

Source: BusinessWorld