The provincial government of Negros Occidental turned over a solar-powered irrigation project to the Tara Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City Oct. 1.
The irrigation system is equipped with an inverter, an irrigation pump, and solar panels to acquire and convert sunlight into electricity.
The project aims to provide an efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation solution for farmers, reducing dependence on grid electricity and fossil fuels, the Capitol said. “Offering an eco-friendly alternative for water management in agriculture supports sustainable farming practices.”
In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the farmers for their partnership in advancing the province’s food security and agricultural productivity agenda.
He also urged them to diligently care for the project and manage it effectively so as to ensure sustainability.
A solar-powered irrigation system has a minimal environmental footprint compared to combustion engine, and has lower operational and maintenance cost, zero fuel cost, and fewer moving parts, the Capitol said.
Lacson was represented by 5th District Board Member Rita Gatuslao at the turnover ceremony, with Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson, Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao, and OIC provincial agriculturist Dr. Dina Genzola, among others, in attendance. ||
