NIA: Budget realignment to irrigate additional 57,000 hectares of rice land

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said Monday that the additional P40 billion that lawmakers realigned to the agency's 2024 budget could irrigate an additional 57,000 hectares of rice land.

These rice lands are expected to produce an additional 570,000 metric tons of palay each year, according to NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen.

"And if computed conservatively at P19 per kilo, it can generate P10.83 billion per year, with a payback period of four years or less,” Guillen said in a press release.

Guillen thanked the House of Representatives for restoring their budget.

“This significant sum of P40 billion will also play a crucial role in addressing both climate change and sustainability concerns," said the NIA administrator.

"Solar-powered pump irrigation systems will revolutionize our nation's irrigation coverage, reaching previously inaccessible areas while mitigating the impending effects of climate patterns like El Niño.”

Guillen added that the NIA budget realignment focused on agricultural productivity, which was among the Marcos administration's priorities.

“Ensuring long-term food security is a paramount objective for NIA. To address the growing demand for food in our country, it is imperative to accelerate the development of new irrigation areas," Guillen said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News