FARMERS in Candaba, Pampanga will have a sigh of relief following the completion of the modern Candaba Solar Irrigation Project that was implemented by the Region-3 office of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Solar-Powered Irrigation System is expected to enhance and sustain the production of rice in the municipality.
The DA, under the leadership of Secretary William D. Dar, pursues a development framework dubbed the “New Thinking for Agriculture,” which is built around eight paradigms designed to increase productivity and profitability of farmers and fishers through sustainable, globally-competitive and climate-resilient technologies and practices.
The project was completed through the efforts of DA-Regional Field Unit 3, and the facility was constructed and installed by Bacolod City-based R.U. Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation (RUFMSC), a leading proponent for the development of agriculture in the country.
The secured facility is composed of 108 solar panels, a reliable and sturdy 25-horsepower submersible pump, state-of-the-art electronic control devices, storage tank, control gauges, and distribution pipelines.
The photovoltaic panels were installed on precision-engineered aluminum frames that can withstand extreme weather conditions, which were firmly anchored on dependable concrete posts.
The solar-powered irrigation facility is expected to supply the water requirements to irrigate some 35 to 50 hectares of ricelands.
But, if ever a rotation basis of water distribution will be implemented, the solar-powered facility would be able to supply the irrigation needs of more farmers who are located around the facility.
At present, solar-powered irrigation facilities are increasingly and continuously being sought in order to provide a cost-effective and practical solution to boost agricultural productivity.
Access to irrigation water is the key for many small scale farmers in order to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the government’s objective of attaining food security in the country.
The facility was completed through the expertise of project engineer Fred Lista, and civil works engineer Marvin Gonzaga, both of RUFMSC.
The reliability of the Candaba Solar Irrigation Project is backed by RUFMSC’s long experience in installing similar facilities in the country, which molded the company to adopt modern and practical solutions in order to design reliable solar-powered facilities using state-of-the-art equipment and supplies.
In most agricultural areas of the country, the availability of irrigation water depends mostly on monsoon rains, or available power needed to operate water pumps.
With lack of electricity, diesel-operated water pumps are usually used to pump water for irrigation purposes.
But diesel-powered engines have several disadvantages, like for instance the ever-increasing prices of fuel which will affect the economic success of the farmers, and of course, its negative effect on the environment.
It can be noted that renewable energy options, particularly solar power, is a very promising solution to help attain sustainable agriculture in the country.
Solar-powered irrigation facilities can enable the farmers to shift from expensive and pollution-causing diesel-powered pumps towards having sustainable and efficient water sources.
Providing irrigation facilities is tantamount to attaining food security in the country and helping rural farmers to generate substantial income for their families and their communities./PN
