Manila, April 11 -- The National Irrigation Administration in the Caraga Region (NIA-13) has held pre-construction conferences with irrigators' associations (IAs) in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur provinces in preparation for PHP116.25 million worth of irrigation projects aimed at boosting rice production.

NIA-13 met with members of the IA in Barangay Ugoban, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, on Thursday to discuss the PHP16.2-million Tagbina Communal Irrigation Project. This project is expected to irrigate 200 hectares of rice fields in Barangay Ugoban and nearby villages, directly benefiting 90 IA members who rely on rice farming.

"Water is essential in rice farming and production. We are thankful to the government, especially NIA, for th...