Gov't to expand solar-powered irrigation for enhanced rice output

The Marcos administration plans to expand the distribution of solar-powered irrigation systems, aiming to provide a consistent water supply to an additional 180,000 hectares of rice paddies, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In a statement Saturday, Feb. 3, the DA said that President Marcos has committed to deliver additional solar irrigation systems, which, upon completion, are expected to yield 1.2 million metric tons of palay.

This will further decrease the volume of rice that the country imports, the DA quoted President Marcos as saying.

In 2024, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) plans to construct about 183 solar-powered irrigation sites with a budget of approximately P1.72 billion to irrigate 2,168 hectares. 

The agency is also considering expanding to 791 potential sites covering 39,694 hectares, requiring an estimated investment of around P30 billion for solar-powered irrigation projects.

In addition to solar irrigation systems, the government has allocated P31 billion this year for the DA's national rice program, President Marcos reiterated.

The chief executive said this intended to fund post-harvest facilities, extension services, research and development, and irrigation services.

The rice harvester distribution is part of the projects financed by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). 

For this year, government set aside P10 billion for RCEF to promote productivity and competitiveness of rice farmers by providing machinery and equipment, rice seeds, extension service and credit assistance.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel said that the DA is working hard to increase rice and overall farm production, despite the risk of a long dry spell from El Niño, to ensure the country's food security.