The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office in Leyte of the Philippines has completed the handover of solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) projects in two towns to enhance rice productivity.
The Sitio Patag Farmers Association in Macupa village received a PHP5.9 million SPIS, enabling water access to 10 hectares of farmland. Additionally, the rice farmers of Guingauan village in Tabontabon received a PHP6.2 million SPIS for another 10 hectares.
DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Andrew Orais highlighted the use of renewable energy and the functionality of the SPIS, which consists of solar panels, a pump, electronic controls, a storage tank, and conveyance structures.
The initiative has received praise from Leyte town Mayor Arnold James Ysidoro, who encouraged maximizing the project’s benefits for the local rice sector.
The DA has already delivered around 20 SPIS units to various farmer groups in Eastern Visayas since 2019, focusing on rainfed areas. These SPIS projects are part of the DA’s efforts to promote renewable energy utilization, providing reliable and cost-effective irrigation for rice, corn, and high-value crop production areas.
 in Leyte has handed over solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) projects to rice farmers in two towns, aiming to boost productivity. With a focus on renewable energy utilization, the SPIS projects provide reliable and cost-effective irrigation for farmland, benefiting local communities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.){kind=link}