The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Calabarzon announced on Tuesday its initiative to enhance farmers’ productivity through the implementation of modern technology and equipment in the region’s irrigation management offices (IMOs).
Engineer Roberto Dela Cruz, regional manager of NIA IV-A (Calabarzon), highlighted the transformative potential of solar technology, which can now deliver water to elevations ranging from 0 to 8 percent, a significant increase from the previous 0 to 3 percent reliant on gravity-fed systems. This advancement is poised to revolutionize irrigation practices for rice farmers and those cultivating high-value crops in elevated terrains.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at the NIA Conference Hall in Pila town, Dela Cruz underscored the importance of harnessing solar energy to enhance agricultural productivity.
He said a solar-powered pump costing between PHP5 million to PHP7 million is capable of servicing 10 to 15 hectares of land, and will be maintained by NIA personnel starting in 2025.
The NIA has allocated PHP700 million for the establishment of solar-powered pumps across the Laguna-Rizal, Cavite-Batangas, and Quezon irrigation management offices, aiming to empower farmers with sustainable resources.
“The introduction of solar-powered pumps will significantly boost our farmers’ productivity, as these will be provided to them at no cost,” Dela Cruz said, assuring that even those in elevated regions can successfully cultivate high-value crops.
In addition to solar technology, NIA’s modernization program includes the introduction of a new fleet of equipment to replace outdated machinery. Since 2023, long-arm excavators and dump trucks have been deployed to the three IMOs, enhancing their capability to respond swiftly during adverse weather conditions.
A second fleet of similar equipment arrived this year, and plans are underway to provide additional transport vehicles in 2025 to support ongoing training and capacity development for irrigators’ associations (IAs).
“NIA is committed to improving the lives of our farmers and their families by providing access to the latest technologies and equipment that were previously unavailable,” Dela Cruz added, reinforcing the agency’s dedication to agricultural advancement in the region. (PNA)
