KORONADAL CITY — The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in South Cotabato is proposing the installation of around 40 solar-powered water pumps to help farmers mitigate the possible effects of El Niño on agricultural production.
The proposed water pumps are intended for identified service areas across the province, particularly in communities with accessible open water sources that can be utilized to irrigate rice fields during prolonged dry conditions.
Provincial Agriculturist Raul D. Teves said the initiative forms part of the province’s intensified preparedness efforts against El Niño, despite the recent rains experienced this May.
According to Teves, the rainfall is only being caused by a Low-Pressure Area (LPA), stressing that the El Niño alert remains in effect.
“Hindi kita mag-kompyansa kay ang ulan dala lang sang LPA (Low Pressure Area). Padayon gihapon kita sa pag-ampo nga indi mag-igo ang El Niño,” Teves said.
The municipalities of Tantangan, Sto. Niño, and Norala are among the areas being closely monitored should dry conditions worsen.
Teves explained that the province is currently mapping out areas where water can be pumped and redirected to farmlands to sustain crop production during periods of limited rainfall.
The proposed solar-powered pumps are being coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XII.
OPAg noted that solar-powered pumps are more practical and cost-efficient compared to diesel-powered engines, which require higher operating costs.
Aside from infrastructure support, the office continues to conduct discussions with partner agencies and roll out Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to help farmers prepare for and cope with El Niño.
Farmers are also encouraged to plant crops with shorter maturity periods, such as soybeans and monggo, since El Niño may only reduce rainfall by 20 to 60 percent and does not completely stop rain.
Meanwhile, OPAg maintains close coordination with the PDRRMO to ensure funding and response mechanisms are readily available should the effects of El Niño intensify.
Teves added that farmers in South Cotabato have shown openness in adopting new technologies and climate-adaptive farming practices, strengthening the province’s overall preparedness against climate-related challenges.
