The Department of Agriculture- Cordillera (DA-CAR) is exploring the potential of integrating solar and renewable energy solutions in its agricultural interventions to support farmers in the region.
Dr. Leslie Deligen, DA-CAR Assistant Chief of the Field Operations Division (FOD), shared this vision following the formal turnover of a P16 million cold storage facility to the Municipality of Buguias, Benguet funded by the Japan Agricultural Economic Council (JAEC).
According to Deligen, incorporating renewable energy into farming practices could significantly reduce costs while promoting sustainable agricultural development through innovative solutions such as small-scale wind turbines.
“We are looking into how renewable energy, such as wind turbines, can be implemented in our farm operations. By using these technologies, our farmer-beneficiaries could see reduced operational costs while enhancing sustainability in agriculture. This would not only reduce expenses but also open opportunities for a more efficient and greener system of production,” he said.
The adoption of solar and green energy technologies would address farmers’ electricity needs, helping them reduce energy costs while aligning with green economy principles. This shift could boost farm competitiveness and create new opportunities for sustainable rural development.
“For farmers to fully benefit from these green energy solutions, it’s important that we explore ways to incentivize them, such as offering discounts or relief programs on electricity costs for farm operations. The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) should also develop clear guidelines on these incentives for farmers,” Deligen emphasized.
In addition to reducing costs, the implementation of renewable energy technologies will also require aligning local practices with advanced solutions from countries like Japan, particularly in areas like product handling and storage.
Meanwhile, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas and Buguias Mayor Ruben Tindaan have expressed interest in expanding this initiative. They have suggested the establishment of another solar-powered cold storage facility in Buguias, given the municipality’s significant role in supplying 60% of the high-value crops produced in Benguet.
Dr. Deligen acknowledged the possibility of building similar facilities not just in Buguias but in other areas of the region, provided that farmers are consolidated and organized into clusters ensuring a diverse range of agricultural products are available for distribution within these facilities. By JTLlanes
