House appropriations chair says solar energy key to higher agri yield
MANILA, Philippines—Harnessing the power of sun will be key in boosting Philippine agricultural production, according to the chair of the House appropriations committee.
Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co on Wednesday (March 1) said in a statement that combining the benefits of renewable energy, fertilizers and irrigation, which he called “fertigation,” would help increase farm yields.
“With solar mapping, farmers can achieve higher yields while reducing resource consumption, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices,” he said.
“Using solar panels to harvest energy from the sun and to power motors for irrigation is a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run,” he added.
Co said fertigation, or the use of fertilizers and irrigation in raising crops, is increasingly becoming popular among farmers as it feeds crops with precise amounts of nutrients while conserving water.
Adopting new farming technologies may be a game changer for farmers, he said, as it would boost production while reducing the use of resources.
“By embracing these new practices, farmers can transition to more sustainable and efficient farming methods, ultimately resulting in long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment,” he said.
“By leveraging the latest farming technologies, the industry can overcome longstanding issues such as low productivity, poor crop yields, and inefficient resource use. Ultimately, the aim is to create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable agricultural sector that can benefit both farmers and the wider community,” he added.
Food security through improved agriculture production has been an objective of the Marcos administration. Early in his term, Marcos stressed on the need for higher agricultural yield at meetings with his Cabinet and stakeholders in anticipation of a future food crisis.
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If Co’s suggestions indeed bring higher yield for farmers, it would be a big help especially as rising prices of food products have been a main driver of high inflation rates.
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“We need to work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by our farmers. With the right tools and technologies, we can build a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector that benefits all Filipinos,” Co said. With reports from Meralyn Melitante, trainee