P7.1-B project to improve irrigation in Nueva Ecija
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is undertaking a P7.1-billion project to address limited and unreliable irrigation systems in Nueva Ecija.
The NIA said it plans to develop the Lower Cabu Irrigation Project in Palayan City to establish a sustainable irrigation system aimed at boosting agricultural output and reducing dependence on rainfall.
“The Lower Cabu Irrigation Project (LCIP) addresses this gap by developing an efficient irrigation infrastructure that will increase the cropping intensity, stabilize production, and reduce farmers’ vulnerability to drought,” the NIA said in its filing with the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“It seeks to significantly increase agricultural output by expanding irrigated areas and enabling multiple cropping seasons, thereby improving farmer income and strengthening food security,” it added.
Currently, farmers are relying on rainfed water to meet their irrigation requirements.
According to the NIA, agriculture is the backbone of Nueva Ecija’s economy. A large portion of the province’s population relies on farming as their main source of livelihood; however, limited and unreliable irrigation systems restrict farm productivity.
The proposed project will be implemented from 2027 to 2030, subject to the completion of detailed engineering design and securing of required environmental permits.
It will irrigate 880.92 hectares of agricultural land, with Cabu River serving as the primary water source.
This will guarantee continuous irrigation water supply to 635 hectares of rainfed agricultural lands of recipient barangays in the municipality of Santa Rosa, Palayan City and Cabanatuan City.
