The government is placing a growing emphasis on solar irrigation systems in its efforts to address food security challenges, particularly in the face of El Niño.
Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit Roger V. Navarro said that solar is becoming a more prominent tool in the government’s toolkit due to rising fuel prices, which have limited the impact of mechanization.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for solar irrigation systems, with the supply of tractors already deemed sufficient.
Navarro warned that El Niño could be severe enough that if the DA’s measures are not adequately funded after the State of the Nation Address, all Filipinos would face food shortages.
Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. President Danilo V. Fausto emphasized the crucial role irrigation will play in getting through the next El Niño.
Fausto advocated for a proactive approach to El Niño, citing the importance of impounding systems, water pumping, and rainwater catching to ensure a stable food supply.
Caitlin P. Punzalan, a board member of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc., emphasized the need to build resilience into the supply chain to ensure continuous food production.
Punzalan suggested diversifying suppliers, using alternative energy sources, collecting and purifying rainwater, and recycling water as measures to achieve supply-chain resilience.
Punzalan also highlighted the importance of keeping food affordable, pointing out that manufacturers often absorb costs to mitigate price increases for consumers.
Manufacturers aim to deploy measures that do not affect consumers, as they are the most critical stakeholders in food manufacturing, Punzalan said.
She noted that price increases are often necessary, but manufacturers try to limit the impact on consumers.
