Researchers introduce new irrigation system for sugar farming –DOST

Researchers from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) introduced a new farming irrigation system that would benefit the sugar cane industry, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Friday.

Dubbed as "Automated Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS)", DOST Asec. Maridon Sahagun said the new technology would help sugar farmers with water savings and produce higher yields of sugarcane compared to the conventional furrow irrigation system.

“Makakatulong ang AFIS para magkaroon ng mas maayos na produksyon ang ating sugarcane bloc industry…Sa AFIS kasi maaaring magkaroon ng water savings up to 2,020 cubic meter per hectare so malaking tulong ito sa ating farmers,” said Sahagun in a public briefing.

“Napag-aralan din nila na ang yield ng sugarcane ay tumaas ng 58% compared to the conventional furrow irrigation system kapag ginamit nila ang AFIS. Ang benepisyong maibibigay ng AFIS tulad ng higher yield at savings sa pagpapatubig ay malaking tulong sa ating mga farmers lalo na dun sa supply ng asukal sa bansa,” she added.

(The researchers also found farmers' yields increased by 58% compared to the conventional furrow irrigation system. These benefits will help farmers, especially with the country's sugar supply.)

Led by Dr. Armando Espino Jr., the researchers presented the technology at the 7th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC) conducted from September 15 to September 16.

NRDC is an annual conference of researchers, scientists, engineers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in the country’s research and development (R&D) sector.

It aims to promote coordination and collaboration among stakeholders of R&D and innovation and highlights the ongoing and completed R&D projects and programs that are aligned to the priority areas of the government’s Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda.

Other innovations highlighted at this year’s event, Sahagun added, are the local antibiotics made from Kadyos beans (pigeon pea) and the impact-based forecasting and warning system of PAGASA.

Meanwhile, Sahagun called for more support and higher budget allocation for the country’s R&D initiatives.

“Kailangan dagdagan pa at patuloy na i-sustain ang suporta sa R&D and innovation sa ating bansa upang makapag-produce tayo ng mas maraming produkto at makinabang ang ating mga mamamayan,” she said.

(We need to add and sustain support for R&D and innovation in the country for us to produce more products that will benefit Filipinos.) — DVM, GMA News