Small-scale farmers in Barangay 26 Oaig Upay Abulao, Ilocos Norte, are set to reap the benefits of year-round harvests of high-value crops with the help of a newly completed solar-powered irrigation system, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The PHP 6.9-million project was officially turned over this week to the Dakkel nga Ili Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, who will manage the operation of the system that is expected to significantly reduce farming costs and improve productivity.

“This is a big help to our farmers as it would lessen the cost of production by 30 to 40 percent,” said Marlon Gallano, cooperative president, in a phone interview reported by the Philippine News Agency.

The irrigation system includes 24 solar panel units that generate electricity to pump water from a nearby river, which will then service around 15 hectares of farmland. It also features a concrete canal for delivering water to fields planted mainly with rice and corn.

Compared to traditional diesel-powered pumps, Gallano said the solar system is not only more cost-effective, but also avoids fuel use, making it more environmentally friendly. Only minimal fees will be collected from farmers to maintain the system.

This project forms part of the Marcos administration’s push to modernize Philippine agriculture through sustainable solutions. The DA has been rolling out similar solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in underdeveloped farming communities, especially in non-irrigated areas.

The DA’s SPIS prototype can pump 1,000 cubic meters of water in 6 to 8 hours, enough to irrigate 10 hectares of land per cycle. This makes it an ideal alternative to costly fuel-reliant irrigation methods.

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