Tarlac sugar farmers testing experimental irrigation system

SUGARCANE farmers in Tarlac are testing an experimental irrigation system funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) that promises quicker cane growth.

The DoST said tests of the Automated Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS) and Nutrio Biofertilizer application increased average cane height to 362.53 centimeters from an average of 327.87 cm.

The project, carried out by the Central Luzon State University, also increased yields to 18.23 kg from 14.22 kg per 10 stalks, it added.

“Additionally, the average diameter of sugarcane increased to 30.94 mm from 26.44 mm,” it said.

The DoST said it is possible to increase Philippine sugarcane yields to 120 tons of cane per hectare from the current average 54 of tons.

This translates to a potential output enhancement of 20-30%, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the Sugar Regulatory Authority’s block farms.

AFIS is solar-powered and uses sensors and controllers to deliver appropriate amounts of water.

“It saves time and effort and resources and is perfect for crops like sugarcane,” the DoST said.

Nutrio is a foliar spray biofertilizer that contains “friendly microorganisms that make sugarcane plants grow taller, leaves greener, and canes heavier, resulting in more cane and sugar yields.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza