The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is providing solar-powered irrigation pumps to rice farmers’ groups to help mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, Rep. Emilio Yulo III (Negros Occidental, 5th District) said Thursday, Oct. 29.
Inaugurated on Wednesday were the Cabanbanan Pump Irrigation Project 2025 and the Bingig CIS Pump Irrigation Project 2025 for the Cabanbanan Kabsaka Farmers Association in Himamaylan City, Yulo said.
One pump project was previously inaugurated in Hinigaran, and about seven more are set to be inaugurated across the Fifth District of Negros Occidental as part of preparations for El Niño, he added.
Although there has been rain, agricultural farms continue to experience intense heat, Yulo noted, adding that the full extent of El Niño’s impact will become clear once planting begins.
Yulo also expressed agreement that the ₱2,600 mill-gate price of sugar is insufficient to cover the rising costs of production.*
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