THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region I continues to dole out solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmer cooperatives and associations in the region to ensure water supply for crops.

In a press conference Thursday last week, NIA Ilocos Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio de Vera said they are prioritizing areas in San Carlos City and Malasiqui that are not serviced by irrigation.

Pangasinan is its main priority since sixty-percent of the total farm lands in the region is located in the province.

So far, NIA R1 has provided more than 80 solar-powered irrigation pumps in the region.

Each irrigation pump can provide water to 10 to 15 hectares of farmlands.

Production of said solar-powered pumps are costly, but de Vera said the parts are made to endure harsh weather, making it feasible in the long run.

However, De Vera admitted they are having a hard time teaching farmers how to properly maintain the solar pumps to be cost effective. (Ahikam Pasion)

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