NIA, 3 others to set up solar powered irrigation program

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and three other organizations have agreed to implement a solar pumping irrigation program designed to encourage the production of high value crops in remote, conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

The joint effort was formalized in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by Administrator Jesus Emanuel Paras, of NIA, chief of party Rodrigo Cabrera of Winrock International–Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) program, John Herrman of Worldwater Corp//Phils., Inc. (WWP) and Roel Castro of Syngenta Foundation Inc. at the NIA offices this week.

The program will demonstrate the use of solar pumping technology in the context of well-planned high value crop production and irrigation system for farmers. It will also serve as a test bed for the potential expansion of solar-powered irrigation techniques.

NIA as the lead agency, will make available complete solar pumping systems for its inventory that are currently for reprogramming.

Aside from providing in-kind support for the construction of all kinds of civil work and trained personnel, NIA will contribute one solar-powered water pumping system, suitable for irrigating one to two hectares of high value crop as pilot project on or before Sept. 20, 2004.

Winrock-Amore will identify and make available appropriate sites for its list of target sites under the Amore program with the assistance of NIA and WWP. Amore will likewise provide community organizing support, irrigation system design and training on solar system operation and maintenance for participating farmers.

WWP will provide not only technical support for system review and design, site selection and solar system installation support but also solar equipment upgrades, as needed, to ensure fully operational systems prior to installation.

It will also provide specialized community organizing support to Winrock-Amore and NIA to review metering and other cost recovery strategies to ensure farmer acceptance and support to the program.

Sygenta Foundation will enhance the program’s sustainability through the application of its total crop management (TCM) program which provides farmers with high-value crop production, management and market access.

The foundation will also offer the same TCM program that is already being implemented in various areas in the country such as the Central Luzon State University.

Under the agreement the parties will jointly review and mutually agree upon contribution of additional cash resources that may be required to facilitate relocation and installation to ensure the successful implementation of the program. – PNA