Mariano Marcos
State University

NIA provides solar-powered pump to MMSU

By Jesslyn Keith Valite

To enhance irrigation and boost agricultural production at MMSU, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) formally handed over to the university a solar-powered pump as part of its Solar Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIP) on March 27.

The official turn-over took place at MMSU agricultural land on the Batac Campus adjacent to the Crops Research Laboratory. This took place after the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA), which was held earlier that day at the Center for Flexible Learning.

The event was led by NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen and MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., joined by MMSU Vice President Nathaniel Alibuyog, Research Director Dionisio Bucao, and key NIA officials, including Senior Deputy Administrator Robert Suguitan and Ilocos Norte Irrigation Manager Joselito De Vera. MMSU faculty, staff, and NIA personnel also attended.

Dr. Manzano expressed his appreciation to the NIA for funding a project that benefits the farmer-cooperators at MMSU. He also hopes that the project will improve the productivity of the farming community and serve as a tool to enhance student research and the agricultural learning experience. “This opportunity is invaluable for providing our students with a real-world laboratory experience,” he remarked.

Engr. Guillen also reflected on the importance of the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the agricultural landscape and achieve sustainability in the field. “Ito ay isang hakbang patungo sa makabago at mas-sustaibale na sistema ng irigasyon para sa mga magsasaka,” Engr. Guillen remarked. (This is a step towards a more modern and sustainable irrigation system for farmers.)

The solar-powered pump is part of NIA's long-term initiative to replace outdated and expensive diesel-powered pumps with more reliable, energy-efficient systems. By adopting solar power, NIA aims to alleviate the financial strain on farmers while also promoting sustainable practices that protect the environment. The system includes solar panels, pumps, electronic controllers, storage tanks, and conveyor systems, all of which work together to provide an efficient and reliable water supply for crops.

In addition to the solar-powered pump at the MMSU Main Campus, NIA also pledged another one will be installed at the MMSU Dingras Campus as part of the signed MoA. This expansion will enable the two institutions to reach more farming communities.