DAR turns over irrigation project in Albay

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agra­rian Reform recently turned over a P57.6-million communal irrigation project to an agrarian reform community in Manito, Albay.

The project funded by the World Bank-assisted Second Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project, would greatly help rice farmers in Kamanitohan ARC double their income as they could maximize rice production to two cropping seasons.

DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said it is much different when farmers relied heavily on rainwater alone and when intervention such as this irrigation project for farmers, is made.

Meanwhile, DAR Undersecretary for field operations Renato Herrera said the irrigation facility could irrigate 320 hectares on the first cropping and another 170 hectares on the second cropping season in barangays Pawa and Balasbas.