May to June this year will be hot with the temperature ranging from 32C to 34C degrees and water is expected to be scarce.
While there is no threat of El Niño this year, it would be wise for farmers to prepare for the hot months, especially those who operate plant nurseries.
In anticipation of the hot months, I have established my Rain Pipe Irrigation System in my Abuyog Sweet Jackfruit Orchard where I have also established my nurseries for Hass Avocado, Jackfruit, Mulberry and soon Trichanthera Gigantes or Madre de Agua.
The “Rain Pipes” or Sumisansui are perforated plastic pipes which are attached to PVC Pipes connected to the water source which sprays water like rain because of the water pressure.
My irrigation system was set up by an old friend, Ben Sotito, a veteran plant nursery operator who worked for many years in the Oil Palm nurseries of Malaysia before coming home with my Malaysian friend, Siew King Han, to establish the Oil Palm nursery in North Cotabato when I was Governor.
Yesterday, Ben completed the first phase of the irrigation system which could now provide water to my Hass Avocado and Abuyog Jackfruit seedlings.
The run-off water will also irrigate my 4-year-old Abuyog Jackfruit trees which are now fruit bearing assuring me of continuous production even during the hot summer months.
Water is very critical in farming. In fact, there is no Agriculture without Water.
Unfortunately, many of our policy makers do not understand the importance of Water Management and Conservation and Irrigation to the country’s food production program.
Until today, about 1-million hectares of fertile farmlands in Mindanao still have to be irrigated and the P44-B Israeli-funded Solar-Powered Irrigation System which was packaged when I was still Secretary of Agriculture is still in a bureaucratic limbo.
Sayang!
Mabuti pa ang dalawa ko na apo, si Duane, 6, and Kristoff, 1 year 4 months old, they appreciate the joy that water brings.
Early today, they bathed in the rain water sprayed out by the Rain Pipes.
I know it was an experience that they will remember when they grow up and they will understand that water brought them beautiful childhood memories.
#FoodGrowsWhereWaterFlows!
#NoAgricultureWithoutWater!
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