Manila, June 25 -- Small farmers here are looking forward to harvesting high-value crops all year round with the help of a government-funded solar-powered irrigation project.

The PHP6.9-million project, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), was formally turned over to the Dakkel nga Ili Farmers Agricultural Cooperative in Barangay 26 Oaig Upay Abulao in this town on Tuesday.

"This is a big help to our farmers as it would lessen the cost of production by 30-40 percent," Marlon Gallano, president of the Dakkel nga Ili Farmers Agricultural Cooperative, said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

With only a minimal amount to be collected from farmers, Gallano said the use of solar-powered irrigation systems is more efficient...