The solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) was installed in Brgy. Ilian, Dumaran, Palawan has expanded its impact from vegetable farming to rice production, driving significant gains for local farmers.
Initially established to support vegetable growers, the system has helped more than 20 farmers achieve a 30% increase in productivity and a 37% boost in income. Now, rice farmers in the area are adopting this eco-friendly technology to enhance their crop yields and profitability.
Nine rice farmers have already reported success, with individual harvests ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 kilograms of rice. Some farmers, like Rogelio Madeova and Danilo Mateo, have noticed substantial savings in operational costs, thanks to switching from traditional diesel-powered pumps to solar irrigation. By using solar-powered irrigation, farmers have been able to save approximately Php 5,000 per cropping season.
Furthermore, the solar pump allows rice farmers to irrigate their fields as early as May, which is before the rainy season begins. This accelerated planting cycle helps them harvest earlier and take advantage of higher selling prices for palay (unhusked rice), significantly increasing their overall income. Farmers like Rolando Villaran, President of the Crossing Tanatanaon Farmers Association, express immense gratitude for the project, highlighting the reduced fuel costs and easier water management for their fields.
Villaran emphasized how difficult it was before the SPIS: “We used to spend a lot on irrigation due to the high cost of diesel. Almost half of our income went to fuel, but now, with the solar pump, we save a lot, making our lives easier.”
One unique advantage of the system is its inclusivity—the user-friendly nature of the solar-powered pump allows women farmers to operate it with ease, unlike traditional fuel pumps, which were typically managed by men. This inclusivity fosters greater participation of women in farming activities.
With the success of the SPIS in Brgy. Ilian, local authorities and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are considering further enhancements, including the development of a drying facility to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure long-term sustainability for the farmers’ agricultural practices. The SPIS project continues to play a crucial role in supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly farming in Palawan.
This innovative project demonstrates the potential of solar-powered irrigation in transforming rural agricultural practices, reducing costs, improving yields, and boosting local economies, all while promoting sustainability in the Philippines. (PR)
