SRA turns over Mobile Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Systems to farmer beneficiaries

LA CARLOTA CITY –  Six partner organizations received Mobile Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Systems (MSPIS) from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU), marking another step towards sustainable agriculture within the Philippine sugarcane industry.

SRA officials and representatives of beneficiary organizations attended the ceremonial turn over at the SRA-La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SRA-LGAREC) in La Carlota City last month.

Entitled, "Mobile Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation System: An El Niño Mitigating Strategy for Sustainable Sugarcane Production," the project aims to develop an irrigation system powered by renewable energy, under the initiated El Niño Mitigation Plan of June 2023.

In his speech, SRA Board Member Dave Sanson expressed his excitement about the transformative potential of the MSPIS for farm operations.

“Kung ako pa lang ya, gadamgo pa lang ko sini para sa akon nga farm, pero kamo nauna na, moderno pa." Sanson expressed in Hiligaynon. 

(While I am still just dreaming of having this system for my farm, you are fortunate to be among the first to receive this modern technology.)

 He further emphasized, "Indi na kamo magasto sa krudo, ang init na lang pangayuon niyo." 

(You will no longer spend on fuel; instead, you’ll just need to ask for sunlight.)

Atty. Ignacio Santillana, SRA Deputy Administrator II for Research, Development, and Extension, agreed with Sanson, highlighting the importance of adopting renewable energy technologies in agriculture. 

"We are not expecting nga ini siya makasolbar gid totally sa aton nga problema, pero we are expecting nga ini siya, kung gamiton ninyo sang mayo, maka bulig gid ini sa inyo nga high-yielding variety nursery. Kung sa tion sang ital-ital na gid sang water supply, ini masaligan gid." Santillana said

(We are not expecting this to completely solve all our [sugarcane production] problems, but if used properly, this will be a great help, particularly in your high-yielding variety nurseries. In times of drought when water supply is limited, this system will be highly dependable.)

The ceremonial turnover was attended by representatives from the following recipient organizations:

•           Wutrich Hermanos Agrarian Reform Farmers Association (WHARFA)

•           Sitio Mercedes ARB and Small Farmers Association (SMARBSFA)

•           United Ilijan Agricultural Workers for Sustainable Development

•           Christian Farmers Association of Samac (CFAS)

•           Hacienda Ogie Sugar Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative

•           SRA-La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SRA-LGAREC)

Other SRA officials present were Alfredo Carballo Jr. (SIDA Focal Person for the Visayas), Ms. Ma. Lourdes C. Almodiente (Chief Agriculturist of the Extension Services Division, Visayas), and Engr. Laverne C. Olalia (Manager III of SRA Luzon and Mindanao).

Mr. Rodel Cadigal of the United Ilijan Agricultural Workers for Sustainable Development have a response through an inspiring story, expressing their heartfelt gratitude towards SRA and CLSU for providing MSPIS.

"Almost 8 years nga nag-suffer kita sang El Niño. Amon na eksperyensiyahan, nagamit kita sang diesel engine. So almost Php2,500 to Php 3,000 pesos ang consumption sa krudo per day. One time nakaistorya kami sang amon MDO [Mill District Officer] nga tani may solar-powered irrigation man kita. Ini siya daw sabat gid sa aton dugay na nga ginadamgo.” Cadigal narrated

(For almost 8 years, we suffered due to El Niño. We used diesel engines, spending Php2,500 to Php3,000 pesos on fuel each day. One time, we discussed how we hoped to have solar-powered irrigation. This technology is truly the answer to our long-time dream.)

Following the ceremonial turnover, a lecture on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the MSPIS was conducted in collaboration with ACT Machineries and Metalcraft Corporation, the fabricator of the MSPIS units.

Lastly, the CLSU team, with assistance from the SRA, conducted site visits to several recipient block farms to inspect water sources and areas for performance testing. The team provided technical assistance and troubleshooting of the MSPIS. 

As a long-term solution to the continuing challenge of climate change, the MSPIS is a milestone that aims to mitigate drought and other damages sugarcane farmers suffer from. The MSPIS performance evaluation is expected to yield results later this year, measuring the irrigation system on factors such as efficiency and revolutions per minute.