The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has empowered two farmers' associations in Zamboanga del Sur with advanced solar-powered water pumps, marking a significant step towards sustainable and resilient agriculture in the province.
Substantial Investment for Sustainable Farming
In a move to bolster communal farming, DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula provided 450-watt solar-powered water pumps, each valued at P400,000. The recipients are the Simata Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Inc. (SFARBA, Inc.) from Molave town and the Guma-Poblacion A Irrigators Association, Inc. (GUPIA, Inc.) from Midsalip municipality.
This initiative falls under DAR's Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities (SuRE ARC) project. The distribution took place on November 20 for GUPIA, Inc. and November 21 for SFARBA, Inc.
Empowering Farmer Communities
For SFARBA, Inc., this solar water pump is a game-changer for their communal farming. It guarantees a dependable water supply, which is crucial for supporting their vegetable production and expanding livelihood opportunities.
"With this renewable energy–powered facility now in the hands of SFARBA, Inc., the association is set to enhance its operations and deliver greater economic benefits to its members," DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula stated. The agency emphasized that this is part of an ongoing effort to build more self-sustaining agrarian reform communities.
Boosting Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The assistance arrived at a pivotal time for GUPIA, Inc., which recently graduated from the Farm Business School (FBS) program. Now equipped with enhanced skills in enterprise development and financial management, the association is perfectly positioned to leverage this new technology.
The solar water pump is expected to significantly improve irrigation efficiency for GUPIA, Inc., ensuring reliable water access for their vegetable production.
"This will help strengthen the livelihood of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), providing them with sustainable income opportunities while supporting climate-resilient farming practices," DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula added.
This distribution highlights DAR's continued commitment to supporting agrarian reform beneficiaries beyond mere land distribution, focusing on strategic and sustainable interventions for long-term community development.
