Agri Chief Inaugurates Solar-Powered Irrigation System in Lubao

LUBAO, Pampanga—The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday (March 21) switched on a solar-powered water pump benefiting farmers cultivating close to 50 hectares of land in Barangay Prado Siongco here.

Agriculture secretary William Dar and Mayor Esmeralda G. Pineda led the ceremonial switch-on of the P1.2-million project that is seen to help farmers save at least P8,000 to P10,000 in fuel each cropping in a one-hectare farmland.

The project, called “fertigator” because it can dispense fertilizer, uses 18 solar panels to power an electric pump that distributes water through a series of pipes installed to service a wide area.

Initially, the project intends to serve 42 members of the cooperative, Prado Siongco Rice and Corn Farmers Association that tend to 49.17 hectares of productive lands.

Edgar Roque, cooperative president, thanked the DA and Mayor Pineda, for the assistance to the farmers.