In Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, agricultural communities are celebrating a sustainable future with the inauguration of the “Agos para sa Masaganang Ani” solar-powered water pump project. This initiative, led by Yara Fertilizers Philippines, Inc., in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, aims to revolutionize rice irrigation in Barangay Santa Cruz.

The project, generously funded by a PHP 4 million grant, replaces traditional diesel-powered pumps, thereby reducing costs, ensuring better profitability for farmers, and minimizing CO2 emissions. The Royal Norwegian Embassy underscores its commitment to climate change, environmental protection, and food security by endorsing the project as a pilot for future scalability.

By harnessing solar power, these pumps are expected to enhance food production while simultaneously reducing the overall carbon footprint, in alignment with global sustainability goals. Yara will diligently monitor the project’s performance and its impact on farmers’ productivity until April this year, demonstrating its dedication to fostering a nature-positive food future, with an emphasis on climate neutrality, regenerative agriculture, and prosperity for farmers.

The farmer beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the cost-savings, increased yields, and their hope for a brighter agricultural future, echoing the project’s potential positive impact on their livelihoods. The Norwegian Embassy views the project as a sustainable model that can be replicated and scaled up, thereby contributing to the region’s renewable energy plans.

Mayor Marilou Morillo of Calapan City extends her heartfelt appreciation for the support, emphasizing the importance of such projects for an agricultural city like Calapan. The solar-powered water pump project signifies a significant step toward sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in the region.