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Negros Occidental State University Grows Future of Farming with Solar-Powered Hydroponic Lettuce Project

NPO

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October 17, 2025

BACOLOD CITY — The Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental is taking a major step toward sustainable agribusiness, launching a solar-powered greenhouse for hydroponic lettuce production — a project that merges clean energy, modern agriculture, and income generation for the university and its community.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 – Western Visayas, the facility was officially turned over on October 13 by DA–Negros Island Region (NIR) officials to CPSU President Dr. Aladino Moraca and his team. The greenhouse currently cultivates five lettuce varieties — Sunny Rose, Black Rose, Green Span, Invicta, and Sanggari — with 2,700 heads ready for harvest.

“The project promotes modern and sustainable agriculture through solar-powered hydroponic systems that ensure efficient, clean, and high-quality vegetable production,” the DA–NIR said in a statement.

Each lettuce head is valued at around ₱20, offering an attractive business model for universities and cooperatives. According to DA’s price monitoring, lettuce retails at an average of ₱182.42 per kilogram in the National Capital Region, positioning CPSU’s produce as a fresh and affordable alternative.

Located within the CPSU Main Campus Greentech Area, the greenhouse serves multiple purposes — as an income-generating enterprise, a learning and research facility, and a community food source that enhances access to fresh, healthy produce.

“The facility also operates as a concrete model for sustainability, with all components — water pump, drip system, cooling system, and lighting — powered entirely by solar energy,” CPSU noted.

Beyond agriculture, the project is already creating local impact, employing community members to help maintain the greenhouse and manage lettuce operations.

Maryvic Pedrosa, Director of CPSU’s Production and Enterprise Development Office, said the initiative will initially be used for instructional and research purposes, serving as a living laboratory for students and faculty.

“It will enhance knowledge and exploration in hydroponics-grown lettuce and other greenhouse technology innovations,” Pedrosa explained.

With this initiative, CPSU is proving that technology and sustainability can work hand in hand — producing profit, knowledge, and food security for Negros and beyond.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR
#SmartFarmingPH #SustainableAgriculture #CPSUHydroponics #SolarGreenhouse #AgriInnovation