PhilRice promotes mobile solar irrigation technology for farmers amid El Niño

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) continues to improve farm resilience amid threats of El Niño through the development of technologies that may reduce the irrigation expenses and improve water access of farmers during the dry spell. 

The institute is promoting technologies that can help farmers manage limited water resources, including solar-powered irrigation systems, which were featured during the Lakbay Palay 2026 held on October 8 in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. 

Developed by the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Unit of PhilRice Batac, the mobile solar-powered irrigation system uses solar energy instead of conventional fuel-powered or electric pumps, which reduces expenses for gasoline and diesel.

Science Research Specialist I Richard Paul F. Puntilan said the technology provides farmers with a renewable source of energy for irrigation while also offering flexibility because it can be transferred from one area to another. Puntilan emphasized that one of its primary benefits is the potential to lower farm production costs, particularly fuel expenses.“Instead of using gasoline, diesel, or electricity, which can be expensive, it is better to use this technology because it uses renewable energy. As long as there is sunlight, farmers can use it for irrigation,” Puntilan said.

Its mobility also allows farmers to bring the system across different portions of their farms where irrigation is needed, making it a practical option for managing water resources. 

The system can deliver 1.2 to 2.2 liters of water per second when the water source is a shallow well and 4.5 liters per second when using an open-water source. 

Through the promotion of renewable energy and water-efficient technologies, DA-PhilRice provides farmers with more affordable and sustainable options that can contribute to lower production costs, improved farm efficiency, and a more climate-resilient rice sector. 

News Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/luzon/ir/philrice-promotes-mobile-solar-irrigation-technology-for-farmers-amid-el-nino?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

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