The solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) installed in Barangay Ilian, Dumaran, initially designed to support vegetable production, has now led to gains for local rice farmers.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in MIMAROPA said that after helping over 20 vegetable growers increase their productivity by 30% and boost their income by 37%, rice farmers in the municipality have also adopted the technology, reaping notable benefits.
Nine rice farmers in Ilian are now using the SPIS, with harvests ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 kilos of rice, and net incomes reaching as much as ₱76,050.
DOST MIMAROPA stated that the switch from diesel-powered pumps to solar irrigation has proven both cost-effective and sustainable, according to the farmers.
Rolando Villaran, president of the Crossing Tanatanaon Farmers Association (CTFA) and one of the first beneficiaries of the SPIS, said that they used to spend a lot on diesel to water their rice fields, with almost half of their earnings going to fuel costs.
But now, with the solar pump, they have saved a lot, and life has become easier because of the SPIS.
“Dati, malaki ang gastos namin sa pagpatubig ng aming palayan kasi mahal ang krudo. Halos kalahati ng aming kita napupunta lang sa krudo pero ngayon na mayroon na kaming solar pump, napakalaking tipid at napagaan ang aming buhay dulot ng proyektong ito,” he said.
“Tapos nakapagpatubig pa kami ng aming palayaan ng mas maaga para makahabol kami sa taas ng presyo ng palay. Malaking pasasalamat namin sa DOST na nahandugan kami ng ganitong proyekto,” Villaran added.
DOST MIMAROPA said farmers can now irrigate their fields as early as May, before the rainy season, allowing them to accelerate planting cycles and harvest earlier, ultimately benefiting from higher palay prices.
They also save approximately ₱5,000 per cropping season by eliminating the need to rent fuel pumps.
Inclusivity in farming has improved with the SPIS, the department’s regional office pointed out, as its user-friendly design allows women farmers to operate it easily, a departure from traditional fuel pumps, which were typically managed by men.
It added that the success of the SPIS project has prompted plans for further improvements, including a drying facility to reduce post-harvest losses. This will continue to support local farmers and ensure the sustainability of their agricultural practices.
