KANANGA, Oct. 23 -- Farmers in this town expect lower production costs and a more reliable water supply, particularly during dry spells, following the completion of the Tugbong Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Project.

Judith Rio, president of the 66-member Tonay Solar Irrigators Association, which serves farmers in Barangays Tugbong and Sto. Nino said the project is already helping members reduce their farming expenses.

"From PHP15,000 in production costs per hectare, the amount will be reduced to PHP10,000 per hectare. This means additional income for us," Rio told the Philippine News Agency.

Before the project was completed, association members had to spend considerable amounts on fuel to operate water pumps that drew water from a nea...