BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Farmers in Aurora may soon see reduced irrigation expenses after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) distributed solar-powered pumping units.
This supports the national government’s renewable energy agenda under the whole-of-government framework ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which includes energy optimization, conservation initiatives, and stabilizing key industries amid fuel price volatility.
DOST Aurora Science Research Specialist Regine Maines-Agumboy said that under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, the Bianoan New Generation Farmers Association, Decoliat Multi-Agri Farmers Association, San Joaquin Farmers Association, Imulat Lowland and Upland Farmers Association, and the Provincial Government of Aurora each received one Mobile Solar Irrigation Pump unit worth P165,000.
The intervention aims to help farmers cope with rising fuel prices and increasing irrigation expenses, particularly in remote farming areas that rely on diesel-powered pumps.
“Beyond cost savings, the project strengthened agricultural productivity and resilience by helping local farmers maintain crop irrigation even during periods of fuel crisis,” she added.
Each unit operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. using solar energy and can discharge up to 50 cubic meters or 50,000 liters of water per hour, enough to support irrigation needs in farming areas during critical growing periods.
Farmers using diesel-powered pumps are expected to save up to P4,000 per day in fuel costs, depending on usage and field size.
Agumboy added that the project promotes renewable energy use, improves farming efficiency, and supports more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices in local communities.
“By promoting renewable energy and efficient resource utilization, the project strengthened farmers’ resilience, improved productivity, and encouraged environmentally sustainable farming practices in local communities,” she said.
As more technology-driven interventions are introduced in rural communities, programs like CEST are expected to play a growing role in modernizing agriculture while strengthening the climate and economic resilience of farming households in Aurora.(CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
