DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The National Irrigation Administration-Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) gave its assurance of a steady water supply for agriculture despite the ongoing drought.
This year, irrigated areas even surpassed initial targets, highlighting the agency's efforts and the resilience of Pangasinan's farmers.
John Molano, acting division manager of PIMO, shared that most Pangasinan farmers have successfully harvested their second crop.
Notably, even the approximately 18,000 vulnerable areas completed their harvest.
PIMO's data reveals a significant increase in crop yield compared to previous dry seasons.
This points to the adaptability and resourcefulness of Pangasinan's agricultural sector in the face of climate challenges.
PIMO exceeded irrigation targets across the province.
They irrigated 17,006 hectares in the Agno River Irrigation System (RIS) against a target of 16,885 hectares.
Similar success stories were reported in Dumuloc RIS (1,262 hectares vs. 1,190 target), Ambayoan River (8,298 hectares vs. 8,116 target), and Dipalo RIS (6,332 hectares vs. 6,243 target).
The most significant increase came in the lower Agno area, including Sinocalan, Sta. Barbara, Dagupan City, Mapandan, and Calasiao.
Here, PIMO irrigated 8,744 hectares, surpassing the target of 4,806 hectares due to improved water management strategies.
"Overall, our target area encompassed 41,000 hectares, including national irrigation systems up to communal irrigation systems. Nationally, we exceeded our target area, reaching 46,024 hectares irrigated, leading to enhanced yields and crop production," Molano said.
Molano emphasized that, while the drought posed challenges, only 10 percent of the total 66,000 cultivated hectares in Pangasinan were significantly affected.
This highlights the overall resilience of the region's agricultural activities.
Additionally, PIMO is deploying nearly 600 new water pumps this year to ensure even earlier and more equitable water distribution, particularly in areas previously outside the program.
PIMO's proactive approach demonstrates a successful collaboration between government agencies and farmers, ensuring agricultural productivity even during challenging weather conditions. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/APG/PIA Pangasinan)
