Government agriculture officials urged Northern Mindanao farmers to embrace modern farming technologies during Tuesday’s Regional Irrigators Congress, underscoring innovative solutions to enhance productivity amid climate challenges.

Evy Elago of the Misamis Oriental Agriculture Office highlighted smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient techniques as key adaptations for local farms.

“These technologies help farmers withstand erratic weather while maximizing yields,” she told attendees.

Elago said public-private partnerships remain crucial for widespread technology adoption across the region’s agricultural sector.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-10) reinforced this push, with acting manager Larry Franada directing farmers to report irrigation issues promptly.

“We need your feedback to improve water delivery systems,” Franada said, noting NIA’s commitment to resolving infrastructure gaps.

Complementing these efforts, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is conducting training from March 24 to 28 for 30 Lanao del Norte agricultural workers on Integrated Rice-Duck Farming –a system proven to increase yields by 20 to 30 percent while reducing pesticide use.

“This combines traditional knowledge with biological pest control,” Elago said, citing the method’s success in Japanese and Korean rice farms.

The congress coincided with NIA’s inspection of the PHP2.1-billion Sabo Dam 5 project in Maramag, Bukidnon, designed to protect 12,000 hectares of farmland from Pulangi River flooding while expanding irrigation coverage. (PNA)