Submitted by admin-r4b on
Oriental Mindoro - To enhance rice productivity while ensuring the sustainable use of water resources, the NIA MIMAROPA, under the leadership of Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio M. Cervantes, and with the support of the Mindoro Oriental-Marinduque-Romblon (MOMARO) Irrigation Management Office (IMO) Acting Division Manager Engr. Maria Victoria O. Malenab, successfully implemented the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Method in Calapan City, Pinamalayan, Bansud, and Gloria from January 6 to 10, 2025.
The program garnered active participation from several Irrigators' Associations (IAs), including the Biga-West Main Canal Irrigators’ Association Inc., Aurora Naujan Oriental Mindoro IA (ANOM IA), INC., PAMCAL Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc., Macanlig Anoling Irrigators Association, Inc., Labusai Irrigators Association, Inc., Bangbang Calingag Sto. Nino Irrigators Association, Inc., Samahang Pagpapatubig ng Santa Rita Irrigators Association, Inc., Bacungan 1 & 2 Irrigators Association, Inc., Patubigang Ilaya ng Bansud River Irrigation System Irrigators Association, Inc., Alcadesma-Tiguisan Irrigators Association, Inc., Fampulme Irrigators Association, Inc., Salcedo Irrigator's Service Association of Bansud, Or. Mdo., Inc., and Kaligtasan Farmers Irrigator's Association, Inc.
During the program, forty-five (45) observation wells were successfully installed across the targeted areas, benefitting 19 hectares of land. These wells serve as essential tools for monitoring water levels in rice fields, enabling the effective implementation of the AWD method. This water-saving technology alternates periods of wet and dry conditions in rice paddies, reducing water consumption while maintaining or improving crop yields.
The NIA MIMAROPA's initiative reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farming communities through innovative water management solutions. The success of this program is a testament to the strong collaboration between NIA and the Irrigators' Associations, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient rice production system in the region.