THE National Irrigation Administration-Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) assured farmers of a steady water supply for agriculture despite the ongoing drought after surpassing initial targeted irrigated areas.

John Molano, acting division manager of PIMO, said most farmers in Pangasinan already harvested their second crop including those in some 8,000 vulnerable areas resulting significant increase in crop yield compared to previous dry seasons.

He said NIA irrigated 17,006 hectares in the Agno River Irrigation System (RIS) or 121 hectares more than the targeted 16,885 hectares.

The same was reported in Dumuloc RIS (1,262 hectares vs. 1,190 target), Ambayoan River (8,298 hectares vs. 8,116 target), and Dipalo RIS (6,332 hectares vs. 6,243 target).

The most significant increase were in the lower Agno area, including Sinocalan, Sta. Barbara, Dagupan City, Mapandan, and Calasiao.

In sum, PIMO irrigated 8,744 hectares, surpassing the target of 4,806 hectares made possible by improved water management strategies.

Molano emphasized that, while the drought posed challenges, only 10 percent of the total 66,000 cultivated hectares in Pangasinan were significantly affected, pointing to the overall resilience of the region’s agricultural activities.

Additionally, PIMO is deploying nearly 600 new water pumps this year to ensure even earlier and more equitable water distribution, particularly in areas previously outside the program. (PIA Pangasinan/ JCDR,APG)

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