Kalinga farmers to benefit from 10 solar irrigation projects of NIA-CAR

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The National Irrigation Administration–Cordillera Administrative Region (NIA-CAR) is set to implement ten Solar Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) that will benefit farmers across the province, offering a cheaper and more reliable alternative to fuel-driven irrigation amid rising fuel costs and prolonged dry conditions affecting crop production.

Unlike diesel-powered pumps that require continuous fuel expenses, these solar-powered systems operate at minimal cost, helping farmers save money in the long run.

According to NIA-CAR Division Manager for Engineering and Operations Sammy Kimbungan, as cited by local media, the ten projects in Kalinga are part of 30 solar irrigation projects across the region. Other provinces set to benefit include Abra and Benguet with three projects each, Apayao with nine, and Mountain Province with five. In total, these initiatives aim to irrigate around 334 hectares of farmland.

As the dry season persists, water sources continue to decline in many parts of Kalinga, particularly in upland and remote farming areas, making irrigation more difficult and unreliable.

Rivers often run low, forcing farmers to rely on costly fuel-powered pumps just to water their crops. This has resulted in reduced planting areas, delayed cropping schedules, and lower harvests—placing additional pressure on farmers already burdened by rising production costs.

Over the past two years, NIA-CAR has already launched 29 SPIPs across Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, and Ifugao—areas that frequently experience water shortages during the dry season.

Of these, 11 projects have been completed, while 18 are ongoing. Benguet and Mountain Province have also benefited from these initiatives.

Once all ongoing and proposed projects are completed, the systems are expected to significantly reduce operating costs by utilizing solar energy instead of fuel. With improved access to irrigation, farmlands are anticipated to become more productive, enabling farmers to sustain crop production even during prolonged dry periods.