The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) has provided a PHP1-million solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) to a farmers cooperative in this city.

The Sibulan Organic Banana Growers Multipurpose Cooperative (SOBAGROMCO) in Barangay Sibulan, Toril District received the SPIS on Wednesday, DA-11 said.

Joedel Leliza, DA-11 agricultural program coordinating officer, said the project will benefit the association and neighboring areas.

“This is expected to ensure a continuous water supply, reduce costs, promote renewable energy, and increase productivity,” he said Thursday.

The SPIS features six solar modules that can irrigate up to three hectares.

SOBAGROMCO chairperson Ginalyn Atillo thanked the government for the project.

“This is a dream come true,” she said, adding that the area is the city’s first organic zone.

SOBAGROMCO has 49 members and a 42-hectare banana plantation. It also plans to grow vegetables, coffee, and cacao.

The cooperative produces organically grown bananas that are exported to Japan.

The DA-Organic Agriculture Program plans to provide another SPIS in Mabini, Davao de Oro. (PNA)