The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office here has turned over solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) projects in two Leyte towns to enhance rice productivity.

Members of Sitio Patag Farmers Association in Macupa village in Leyte, Leyte received on Tuesday the PHP5.9 million SPIS that will bring water to 10 hectares of farm.

Last week, rice farmers of Guingauan village in Tabontabon, Leyte also received the PHP6.2 million SPIS that will also cover 10 hectares.

“This is to promote the use of renewable energy and make water accessible to rice farmers. The SPIS is an irrigation system powered by solar energy, consists of one or more solar panels, a pump, electronic controls, or a controller device to operate the pump, storage tank, and conveyance structures as applicable,” said DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Andrew Orais.

In a statement, Leyte town Mayor Arnold James Ysidoro thanked DA for being able to realize the project in the village, providing a boost to the local rice sector.

“I challenge the farmer’s association to work on how to fully maximize the benefits of the project among the farmer members and the community to further spur rural development,” Ysidoro said.

Orais said at least 20 units of SPIS have been turned over to different farmer’s groups in Eastern Visayas since 2019.

“There are requests for SPIS especially in some rainfed areas of the region, but we have to validate through our engineering division,” he added.

The SPIS is one of the innovative strategies of DA in promoting renewable energy utilization in the country since it can provide reliable, inexpensive, and sustainable energy, to irrigate production areas covered by rice, corn, or high-value crops. (PNA)