The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is set to enhance sustainable agriculture in Aurora Province with the installation of a solar-powered irrigation system at the Aurora Province Coconut Development Center (APCDC) in Brgy. Dibaraybay, Dinalungan, Aurora. This groundbreaking project, undertaken by the technology firm POWER 4 ALL, aims to modernize farming practices while supporting PCA’s commitment to sustainability and rural development.
The solar-powered irrigation system will service approximately 2,500 coconut. The project aligns with PCA’s mission of promoting the sustainable development of the coconut industry while increasing productivity and supporting the livelihoods of coconut farmers.
The Aurora Province Coconut Development Center serves as a vital hybridization area for coconuts, producing high-quality coconut seednuts and seedlings that are distributed to farmers across the country through PCA programs. This facility plays a key role in ensuring the availability of superior coconut varieties to help boost farm productivity nationwide.
However, maintaining a hybridization area requires consistent and efficient water management, which the solar-powered irrigation system is designed to address. By utilizing solar energy, the project reduces dependence on conventional power sources and ensures a steady water supply, even in remote or underserved areas.
The integration of solar technology into the irrigation system represents a significant step forward for PCA and its efforts to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Beyond reducing operational costs, the project underscores PCA’s goal of reducing the environmental impact of farming while fostering resilience to climate change.
This innovative solution also aligns with the PCA’s broader objectives of enhancing the productivity and profitability of coconut farming in the Philippines. By reducing the reliance on conventional energy and providing modern tools for irrigation, the project empowers local farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment.
Benefits for Farmers and the Community
The solar-powered irrigation system promises both immediate and long-term advantages for the Aurora Province Coconut Development Center, the farmers of Dinalungan, and the larger coconut farming community.
Short-Term Gains:
- ,Reliable water supply for 2,500 coconut trees, improving their health and productivity.
- Increased production of high-quality seednuts and seedlings for nationwide distribution.
- Lower operational costs at the APCDC due to the use of renewable solar energy.
- Access to modern irrigation technology, equipping farmers and workers with valuable skills.
Long-Term Gains:
- Higher coconut yields that boost farmers’ incomes and strengthen local economies.
- Enhanced resilience against climate-related challenges, including droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.
- Reduced carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Establishment of Dinalungan, Aurora, as a model for innovative and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
By: Dana Faye Rivera, Sales Supervisor