Two solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) models were awarded to the Barangay Agriculture and Fisheries Council in a ceremony led by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Senate Chair for Agriculture Cynthia Villar, and Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz.

The farmers of Barangay Wawa Ibayo in Lumban, Laguna became the first recipients of a solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) project.

The new system, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), offers the “best-in-class irrigation technology.”

Two SPIS models were awarded to the Barangay Agriculture and Fisheries Council during the ceremony led by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Senate Chair for Agriculture Cynthia Villar, and Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz last week.

Secretary Dar said Lumban is “lucky to be the pilot site for the demonstration of the Israeli irrigation technology that is known for its efficiency.”

The equipment was delivered by the Israeli agro-industrial firm LR Group in partnership DA. Valued at P1.2 million, the SPIS model can irrigate eight hectares, while the other model worth P5.8 million can cover 32 hectares.

The panels are sustainable and does way with diesel fuel-fed machinery. They can irrigate rice and other high-value crops all year round.

The technology also includes a satellite-based system that allows remote and real-time monitoring of water and vegetation levels that enables precision agriculture and leads to higher crop yields.