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Solar-Powered Irrigation Project Set to Boost Vegetable Farming in Bukidnon

NPO

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10 hours ago

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A PHP20-million solar-powered irrigation system is set to be constructed to help revive agricultural productivity in one of Bukidnon’s key vegetable-producing communities.

In a statement released Thursday, Department of Agriculture–Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Executive Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan said the project is being implemented in partnership with the First Community Cooperative and aims to restore farm production in the upland barangay of Miarayon in Talakag town.

Pacamalan recalled that Miarayon was once considered a “vegetable gold mine” of Bukidnon, supplying large volumes of highland crops. However, productivity gradually declined over the years due to structural challenges, particularly the farmers’ heavy reliance on markets outside the region.

“One major factor was market mismatch and over-dependence on buyers outside Northern Mindanao,” Pacamalan explained. “This made farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations, logistics constraints, and rising transportation costs, especially when supplying Manila-based markets.”

The upcoming irrigation facility will utilize solar photovoltaic panels to power water pumps, ensuring a reliable, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable water supply for vegetable farms in the area. The system is expected to significantly improve crop yields while reducing production costs associated with fuel-powered irrigation.

Pacamalan welcomed the cooperative-led initiative, noting that it highlights the strength of collaboration between government and cooperatives in revitalizing critical agricultural zones and improving farmers’ resilience.

Technical assessments and coordination with local stakeholders are currently underway, with project implementation expected to begin as early as January, he added.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR