To promote the use of agricultural machinery in our country, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MiMaRoPa conducted a free webinar entitled “Automated and Solar Drip Irrigation System” on April 22, 2022, via Zoom application.
OIC-Assistant Center Director Norberto C. Maur of ATI-MiMaRoPa graced the activity. In his message, he emphasized that this kind of technology will help the farmers to reduce the cost of production and labor. “I hope this technology will be available soon for the farmers”, he added.

Dr. Alfredo F. Fortu, Jr., Dean, College of Engineering and Technology in Romblon State University served as a Resource Speaker during the webinar. In his lecture, he highlighted the importance of using a solar-powered drip irrigation system in the production of high-value crops. Also, he discussed how it is assembled, operated, and its cost and return analysis.

According to him, this drip irrigation system is proven efficient. For automation, it utilizes an electronics platform called Arduino, a solar panel that serves as the main source of energy. Once programmed, it will automatically irrigate the plants depending on how much water they needed.

“Malaking tulong din po talaga yung paggamit ng mga renewal energy dahil dito sa Palawan krisis po sa amin ang kuryente. Kaya maganda po na ipromote sa mga farmers ang ganitong mga new technology dahil di pa sila pamilyar dito. Nang sa ganun ay malaman nila ang kahalagahan ng paggamit ng mga bagong teknolohiya para mas ma-improve pa nila ang kanilang production at quality ng mga products lalo na sa mga high-value products”, Engr. Azel L. Abrina shared.

The half-day activity was also live-streamed on ATI MiMaRoPa’s official Facebook page and attended by 53 Agricultural Extension Workers, farmer leaders, students, and agri-enthusiasts from the region.