NIA Distributes 16 El Niño Pumps to Ilocos Norte Farmers

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has distributed 16 diesel-powered water pumps to irrigators’ associations in Ilocos Norte as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of an expected strong El Niño. The pumps will provide supplemental irrigation to farms facing reduced rainfall, helping farmers protect crops and sustain production. NIA Region I Regional Manager Geffrey B. Catulin said the initiative complements other climate resilience projects, including solar-powered irrigation systems in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur and major irrigation projects in Pangasinan, such as the nearly completed Paitan Dam. He said portable pumps would help irrigators deliver water to areas beyond the reach of existing irrigation canals, improving water access as longer dry spells become more frequent. — Artemio A. Dumlao