The National Irrigation Administration Region VIII conducts a Season-long training on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Technology for the Operation & Maintenance and Institutional Development personnel on January 21-22, 2025, at the NIA Regional Office Training Center, Marasbaras, Tacloban City.
AWD is a mature water-saving technology introduced to farmers in lowland rice farming systems in 2006, offering a significant increase in water use efficiency without compromising the yield. It is a tool for NIA to validate the irrigation interval for efficient and effective management of canal operations. This technology can also help reduce the impact of climate change, which is timely and relevant since the Eastern Visayas is categorized as a high-risk region for climate-related hazards.
As part of the training course, a series of activities, including lectures and demonstrations, will be conducted during the first cropping season of 2025. This approach will provide participants with hands-on experience in implementing safe and effective AWD technology. The season-long training will be implemented at an irrigated service area in the Hindang-Hilongos River Irrigation System (HHRIS) covering the municipalities of Hindang and Hilongos, Leyte.
The sustainability of the AWD program with rotational water delivery will enhance rice production and increase farmers' income.
