The Department of Agriculture is moving to roll out mobile solar irrigation systems to help Filipino farmers sustain crop production through the peak impacts of the El Niño weather pattern.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the department has initially requested P3 billion from the P6.2-billion UPLIFT Program, which has already been released for fertilizer procurement and fuel subsidies to cushion El Niño effects. Of the requested amount, P1 billion will go toward mobile irrigation units, while P2 billion will support regular solar irrigation projects. Final figures on how many systems the budget can cover are still being worked out.
The target is to start releasing these systems by December, with most deployed by January—when El Niño’s effects are expected to be strongest. Designed to serve communities hit by the dry spell that have access to sustainable water sources, whether groundwater or surface water, these systems will work not just for rice but also vegetable farms. They can also support livestock and aquaculture operations. Beyond drought response, the equipment offers drip and sprinkler functions that remain useful during heavy rains and for different crops, giving farmers long-term flexibility beyond just this season’s dry spell.
