Iloilo irrigation network to benefit 1,200 farmers
A R133.85-million irrigation system has been built in Iloilo City that will provide water to 2,200 hectares of farmlands and benefit 1,200 farmers.
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) chief Ricardo Visayas led the inauguration of the R133.85-million Sta. Barbara River irrigation system, which includes a 84-square meter building for the irrigators’ association (IA), and four 200-square meter combined IA offices and warehouses in Mandurriao district.
The irrigation system was funded through a grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
It will service to 2,289 hectares of agricultural land in the city, and the towns of Leganes, Pavia, and Sta. Barbara.
The irrigation system includes the construction of 12.1 kilometers of concrete canal lining, construction and repair of related structures, new steel gates, and 7.6 kilometers of gravel surfacing.
The project is designed to improve the cropping intensity of farmers from 162 to 200 percent, increasing their yield from 99 to 110 cavans per hectare for the wet season and 80 to 100 cavans per hectare for the dry season.
JICA-Philippines Senior Representative Yo Ebisawa said the project will pave the way for higher rice productivity and income for Filipino farmers.
“Filipino farmers, unfortunately, remain among the Philippines’ poorest sectors with poverty incidence of as much as 34.3 percent. With this project, we hope our farmers to improve and sustain their productivity and income. JICA would continue supporting the agriculture sector of the Philippines,” Ebisawa said.
Visaya said the the inauguration of the project “means that our objectives are now all set to be realized. The offices of irrigators’ associations and its support facilities and farm machineries will ensure quality of rice produce, thus gaining higher price for the commodity which will eventually increase the income of our farmers.”
“NIA has already accomplished the rehabilitation and improvement of this irrigation system and we will never stop giving you, our farmers, the best possible service that you deserve,” he added.