Maroe T. Genosa/ PNA
BATANGAS CITY — Following the energization of about 40 households in Isla Verde here this month, the island’s Barangay San Agapito farmers have also received solar-powered irrigation system from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to boost agricultural productivity.
Engr. Pablito Balantac, chief of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), disclosed Tuesday the San Agapito farmers are among the first recipients of the project in this city’s 105 barangays due to the eventful installation of solar-power in the island.
“Magagamit din ang solar energy na ito sa mga itatayong waterworks projects dito (We could use solar energy for the waterworks projects constructed here),” Balantac said, stressing the irrigation system would boost their livelihood income and agricultural productivity.
He said the establishment of the solar-powered irrigation system could benefit the island inhabitants, particularly farmers and agricultural workers who are members of the Association of San Agapito Farmers and Fisherfolk who will operate and take care of the equipment.
Balantac added the DA solar-irrigation project aims to promote conservation and proper utilization of the soil and water resources to help farmers attain sustainable productivity and profitable farming.
Meanwhile, Assistant City Agriculturist Flora Andal explained that the solar-powered irrigation system will be implemented through the Organic Agriculture Program, where 75 percent of the solar pump will be utilized mainly for irrigating the farms while 25 percent could be used by the households.
Andal said the Office of City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS)-Crops Division will also conduct series of trainings for the San Agapito island residents on organic vegetable production in a three-hectare land designated for the project.
