NIA mobilizes solar-powered pumps

Farmers in drought-affected agricultural communities across Cagayan Valley are receiving mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps deployed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region II to offset severe water shortages and rising fuel expenses, regional officials announced.

The technological intervention follows prolonged dry spell conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon, which caused water levels in the Cagayan River to drop sharply and left irrigation canals dry across several farming municipalities.

In Barangay Muhara, Solana, rice growers faced significant crop losses after planting began in mid-June 2026. Decreasing river levels prevented water from reaching distribution canals, damaging seedlings and leaving many smallholder farmers burdened with agricultural loans.

“Life is difficult now because we are in a crisis. Our farmers started farming with loans,” said Samuel Agustin, president of the Muhara Irrigators’ Association, noting that only a fraction of local growers managed to complete planting before fields dried out.

In response, NIA Region II launched its first mobile solar-powered pump project in Cagayan Valley in August 2026.

The deployment aligns with executive directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructing national agencies to expand solar-assisted irrigation technology in climate-vulnerable farming zones to protect national food security.