The summer heat has been unforgiving. But instead of cowering from the sun, farmers in Sitio Danao in Kalilangan has embraced its power, heralding a new era for local agriculture. Through the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10, spearheaded by Director Carlene C. Collado, the Sitio Danao High-Value Crops Farmers Association (HVFAI) has installed a state-of-the-art solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS).
This new groundbreaking system, valued at over Php 1 million, promises to revolutionize farming practices in the region, providing a steadfast lifeline for the cultivation of high-value crops. The DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota Madriaga, proudly presented the system to Mayor Charl O. Gamboa of Kalilangan and HVFAI Chairperson Manuel Suganob, affirming their strong commitment to bolstering agricultural production.
With the SPIS, Sitio Danao can look forward to a more sustainable and cost-efficient way of producing crops.
An Innovative Configuration
Equipped with a formidable setup of 12 solar panels and a robust pump boasting 5 horsepower, the SPIS stands ready to irrigate a substantial portion of the 50-hectare rainfed production area dedicated to high-value crops in Sitio Danao. This innovative configuration not only promises to enhance cropping intensity but also to elevate crop yields, fostering the flourishing cultivation of sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and white potatoes.
There was palpable excitement in the ceremony, as best articulated by Madriaga, who expressed optimism for the project’s transformative potential. “We are thrilled that this facility is here, an expansive area where so much potential lies for a bigger production of high-value crops,” she said.
Madriaga also urged the association to collaborate closely with the LGU through the DA, citing the agency’s various projects through the HVCDP and the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), including the provision of equipment and greenhouse infrastructure.
“May this inspire a stronger cooperation between the DA and the local government unit (LGU) and a shared interest in providing more assistance to our farmers here,” Madriaga continued.
A Blessing For The Region
Echoing Madriaga’s sentiments, Suganob was filled with heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support extended by the DA, recognizing the SPIS as a timely boon for the 182 member farmers of the HVFAI.
“Our association is very grateful to have been chosen as one of the recipients of this new Solar-powered Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) from the DA. This provision will greatly help our association, more so now that we are experiencing the effects of El Niño,” Suganob remarked, underscoring the association’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the facility’s integrity.
A Future As Bright As The Sun
The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Municipal Board of Agriculture Chairperson Loido Padsing and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet Lopez. It served as a testament to the collaborative spirit driving agricultural advancement in the region.
With hearts brimming with optimism and a steadfast resolve to nurture sustainable growth, the LGU, the DA, and the HVFAI showed unity in their mission to cultivate prosperity from the fertile soils of Sitio Danao.
Source: DA ramps up Bukidnon’s high-value crop production via solar-powered irrigation
