THE Department of Agriculture (DA) will deploy mobile solar-powered irrigation systems nationwide by December or early January next year to help protect farms from the peak of El Niño weather.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa told reporters on Wednesday that the rollout has been programmed and is awaiting release.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recently warned that El Niño could become very strong by the end of 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027.
It is expected to bring below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, reduced water supplies, and extreme heat to parts of the country.
De Mesa said the systems would serve vulnerable agricultural areas nationwide, provided they have sustainable groundwater or surface water sources.
The equipment can support flood, sprinkler, and drip irrigation, allowing its use for rice, corn, vegetables, and other crops. It can also supply water for livestock and aquaculture.
The DA had requested P3 billion under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) program to fund mobile and fixed solar-powered irrigation systems, de Mesa said.
Of the proposed amount, P1 billion would go to mobile units and P2 billion to fixed systems.
