The city government through the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) is tapping renewable energy to help city farmers and pursue sustainable urban agriculture practices in line with the city’s thrust to shift to smart agriculture.
The CVAO under City Veterinarian Dr. Silardo Bested proposed a Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) Project for the farmers in collaboration with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
CVAO Supervising Agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said irrigation has long been a problem for local farmers especially during the dry season.
“During these times, water scarcity forces many to cease production,” she said.
The department hopes that the SPIS project can address this challenge.
Four sites — Bilis in Sto. Tomas Central, Irisan, Benin in Pinsao Proper, and Ditep in Loakan Liwanag — are being eyed for the project.
The CVAO and the BSWM recently conducted a validation of the sites to assess their feasibility and ensure the success of the project.
“Major considerations in order to pass the feasibility assessment are a stable water source, its proximity to service areas (farms), and at least 3-hectare service area,” Tabelin said.
She said that a land survey was also done to “document the targeted farm beneficiaries, ensuring accurate records for effective implementation of the project.”
“This initiative not only promotes energy-efficient infrastructure but also aids the transition to environmentally sustainable farming practices,” Tabelin said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
