Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in San Miguel, Bulacan will soon have their own solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS), according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
DAR announced that the agency held the groundbreaking ceremony for the SPIS, signaling the start of its construction. Once completed, the project is expected to boost the income of small farmers in the area.
DAR-Bulacan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Abdullah Linog said the installation of two off-grid and on-grid inverters powered by 32 units solar panels with 24 pcs 12 volts batteries for 24 hours operation will be a big help to 102 members of the Balaong Vegetable Farmers MPC in Balaong, San Miguel, Bulacan.
The SPIS is currently the most appropriate modern farming technique needed in the area, which is considered an off-the-grid farming community, according to DAR.
“Through SPIS, we hope that all of you ARBs will be inspired to make the lands awarded to you by the DAR become more productive. We hope that you will take care of all the projects provided by DAR and other government agencies,” Linog said in a statement.
He said the SPIS project is part of a whole-of-government approach as a continuing effort of the DAR to help and support the ARBs to increase their yield and income.
The YCC Enterprise will deliver the materials for the installation of the SPIS, with the members of agrarian reform beneficiary organizations assigned to do the construction of the irrigation system. The project will be regularly inspected by SPIS technical personnel during the period of its installation which is within the next 14 days.
The solar-powered irrigation system worth P1 million will be turned over to the Balaong Vegetable Farmers MPC within the year to increase the farm productivity of its members.
“We would like to thank the DAR for the irrigation project and farm implements they have provided, it would be of great help to our organization,” Balaong Vegetable Farmers MPC Chairman Catalino Santiago said.
The irrigation system will irrigate a minimum of 5 hectares of farmland and a maximum of 7 hectares benefitting the 102 members of the cooperative, who are all identified as ARBs.