QUEZON CITY -- Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the municipality of San Miguel in the province of Bulacan are expected to boost their yield and income as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) held the groundbreaking ceremony in their area to start the construction of the solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS).

DAR-Bulacan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Abdullah Linog said the installation of two (2) off-grid and on-grid inverters powered by 32 units solar panels with 24 pcs 12 volts batteries for 24 hours operation will be a big help to 102 members of the Balaong Vegetable Farmers MPC in Balaong, San Miguel, Bulacan.

He noted that the SPIS is currently the most appropriate modern farming technique needed in the area.

“Through SPIS, we hope that all of you ARBs will be inspired to make the lands awarded to you by the DAR become more productive. We hope that you will take care of all the projects provided by DAR and other government agencies,” Linog said.

He said that the SPIS project is part of a whole-of-government approach as a continuing effort of the DAR to help and support the ARBs to increase their yield and income.

Linog disclosed that the YCC Enterprise will deliver the materials for the installation of the SPIS, with the ARBO members assigned to do the construction of the irrigation system. The project will be regularly inspected by SPIS technical personnel during the period of its installation which is within the next fourteen (14) days.

He said that the solar-powered irrigation system worth P1 million will be turned over to the Balaong Vegetables Farmers MPC within the year to increase the farm productivity of its farmer-members.

“We would like to thank the DAR for the irrigation project and farm implements they have provided, it would be of great help to our organization,” Balaong Vegetable Farmers MPC Chairman Catalino Santiago said.

The irrigation system will irrigate a minimum of five (5) hectares of farmland and a maximum of seven (7) hectares benefitting the 102 members of the cooperative, who are all identified as ARBs.

The project is being implemented under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) of the department geared toward building the resiliency of agrarian reform communities nationwide to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of farmers’ organizations, by increasing their yield and income to uplift the lives of its members. (DAR)