Solar irrigation projects in Bicol boost rice yields, cut farming costs
NAGA CITY — Two solar-powered irrigation projects in Bicol are helping increase rice production while significantly reducing costs for farmers, following an inspection by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday.
The projects, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), have a combined cost of PHP332 million. These include the Solar Pump Irrigation Project of the San Agustin-San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers' Cooperative (SARFC) in Bula worth PHP126.73 million, and the New MASSBA Solar Pump Irrigation Project (Phase I) in Minalabac worth PHP205.46 million.
NIA Bicol Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio John De Vera said the initiative aligns with the administration’s push to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security through climate-resilient technologies.
He noted that farmers previously relied on electricity and diesel-powered systems, which were costly and difficult to maintain. With the shift to solar energy, irrigation has become more sustainable and affordable, potentially eliminating electricity expenses altogether.
De Vera added that the agency is expanding solar-powered irrigation projects across the region to further reduce production costs and improve farm productivity.
The projects benefit more than 1,800 farmers in Camarines Sur and irrigate over 1,800 hectares of agricultural land. They are funded under the Establishment of Groundwater Pump Irrigation Project (EGPIP) Solar for Calendar Year 2024.
Before the transition, members of SARFC spent between PHP300,000 and PHP450,000 monthly on electricity to operate irrigation pumps. The adoption of solar technology has significantly lowered these expenses, allowing farmers to increase their savings and income.
Meanwhile, the New MASSBA Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which previously struggled with recurring power outages due to unpaid electricity bills, now enjoys a stable and continuous water supply through the solar-powered system.
The new facilities ensure uninterrupted irrigation while removing dependence on costly power sources, providing long-term benefits for local farmers.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
