Irrigation system using solar power sees the light of day

IBA, Zambales – Solar pumping system for high-value crop production worth P1.5 million will be installed here soon.

Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II disclosed the plan after the provincial board passed a resolution authorizing Gov. Vicente Magsaysay to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the province of Zambales, Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU), Zambales II Electric Cooperative Inc., (Zameco), WorldWater Philippines Inc., (WWP), and Syngenta Foundation Inc. for the immediate implementation of the pilot project.

Lacbain said the project will consist of a solar water pumping system, suitable for irrigating 1.2 hectares of high value crops to be placed at the RMTU Iba campus, Barangay St. Rita in Cabangan and Barangay Luna in San Antonio are its target beneficiaries.

The demonstration project will use solar energy to operate water pumps for irrigation system, which is environment friendly and cost effective not only for agricultural and inland fishing but also for industrial purposes that will respond to the overall economic development of this province.

Lacbain said the project will also feature technical training on solar system operation and maintenance for appropriate RMTU staff and participating farmers and orientation training in technology advances at solar irrigation project sites.

Other trainings, he said include high-value crop planning and production, farm input training and support in effective use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other crop management techniques.

Under the MOA, the provincial government will fund the project through the allocation of P1.5 million, identify an official delegation to participate the best pesticides for Solar Irrigation Policies and Planning to take place in California, USA prior to the installation of the solar system.

Zameco II, through their off-grid electrification department, will be the project coordinator and owner of the solar system. It will also be responsible for allocating funding for implementation of the various project phases and will provide technical supports in solar system installation, operations and maintenance.