Solar irrigation is emerging as a key element in the government’s strategy for dealing with food security challenges such as El Niño, officials said during a panel discussion at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ Food Security Forum, as reported by BusinessWorld.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit Roger V. Navarro said the government is pinning hopes on solar-powered irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of dry spells on crop production. The technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered pumps, reducing operating costs and reliance on volatile fuel prices.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize the agriculture sector and ensure food security amid climate-related disruptions. Officials emphasized the need for wider adoption of solar irrigation to help farmers maintain productivity during El Niño episodes, which can severely damage rice and other staple crops.