Rice farms ready in case drought
WITH EXPANDED IRRIGATION
A TOTAL of P247 million was spent by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) last year for the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems around Pangasinan, preparing the province in case a drought hits this year.
Renato Millan, provincial irrigation management officer, said the weather forecast for 2013 does not anticipate long dry spells but he said it good that bigger rice farm areas are now covered by irrigation systems, making agricultural production possible year round.
With the work last year, there is now an additional 600 hectares of irrigated rice land from the 1st to 6th districts, which used to be rainfed farms.
Millan, speaking during the KBP forum last week, said several non-functioning communal and national irrigation systems were also restored while those damaged were rehabilitated, providing 2,500 hectares of farm land with irrigation.
He admitted that NIA only posted a 70 percent completion of its projects for 2012 in Pangasinan, but with what was accomplished he assured that Pangasinan can brace through with this year’s drought if it intensifies.
Still uncompleted is the Cabatuan Dam in Bugallon town located in the second district costing P70 million and the ALABAMAS (Alaminios-Bani-Agno-Mabini and Sual) irrigation system costing P55 million which is scheduled for bidding on February 5.
MASIDEM DAM
Another unfinished project is the P414-million Masidem Dam in Bani town, handled by the NIA central office but monitored by the local NIA office, intended to irrigate another 600 hectares of land in Bani and Alaminos.
Started in 2008, the project is now set for inauguration in this with President Benigno Aquino III possibly as guest of honor and speaker.
The project includes a water impounding dam and canal components which are now completed.
The lateral canals leading are still being concreted.
Another national project already completed and now irrigating 161 hectares of rice land is the San Angel River Impounding Project in Rosales costing P79 million.
Pangasinan is one of the top four major rice producers throughout the country after Isabela and Iloilo.
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