Solar irrigation project to slash Cagayan farming costs by 86 percent

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday inaugurated the solar pump irrigation project (SPIP) in Pamplona, Cagayan, highlighting the system's potential to significantly lower farming expenses in the region. The facility, located in Barangay Gattu, is designed to serve 602 hectares of farmland while reducing monthly operational costs by approximately 86 percent.

According to Marcos, the project would bring irrigation expenses down from P400,000 monthly to as low as P50,000, potentially saving local farmers P300,000 each month. The reduction represents a major cost relief for agricultural producers in the province who have long struggled with high operational expenses.

The solar-powered system addresses both economic and environmental concerns by harnessing renewable energy for irrigation operations. By transitioning from conventional power sources to solar technology, the project reduces dependency on fossil fuels while simultaneously making farming operations more financially viable for the local agricultural community.

The Pamplona SPIP forms part of the government's broader initiative to modernize agricultural infrastructure across the country and support farmers in adapting to economic pressures and climate-related challenges.