The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said the additional P40 billion that Congress realigned for the agency’s 2024 budget can irrigate an additional 57,000 hectares of rice lands which can produce 570,000 metric tons more palay each year.
Eduardo Guillen, NIA administrator, said in a statement if palay price is computed conservatively at P19 per kilo, the additional production can generate P10.83 billion per year with a payback period of four years or less.
Guillen said the realignment is a “wise investment on Philippine agriculture” by the House of Representatives as it can benefit not only rice farmers but also consumers since it resolves connected issues of food security, palay production and irrigation.
“This significant sum of P40 billion will also play a crucial role in addressing both climate change and sustainability concerns. Solar-powered pump irrigation systems will revolutionize our nation’s irrigation coverage, reaching previously inaccessible areas while mitigating the impending effects of climate patterns like El Niño,” Guillen added.
Guillen also said the budget realignment for NIA focuses on agricultural productivity, which is among the government’s current top priorities.
“Ensuring long-term food security is a paramount objective for NIA. To address the growing demand for food in our country, it is imperative to accelerate the development of new irrigation areas. Our strategic approach involves the establishment of multi-purpose dams, small reservoirs, small-scale irrigation systems and the promotion of solar-driven pump irrigation systems, which offer cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to traditional diesel- or electric-driven pumps,” Guillen said.
Last week, the House Committee on Appropriations amended the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 and realigned a total of P194-billion to fight inflation and “invest in people and the country’s future.”
