ADRIAN LABONDE

INTERNATIONAL LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT

INTERN AT THE INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH CENTER, LOS BAÑOS,

PHILIPPINES

The use and dissemination of the alternate wetting and drying technology

in Central Luzon, Philippines:

THE CASES OF GRAVITY IRRIGATION IN UPRIIS AND PUMP IRRIGATED AREAS

Introduction

Water supply is becoming scarce “More rice per drop” Usually cont. flooded Alternate wetting and drying technology address unproductive water flows Continuous flooding not required throughout the

growing season

Introduction in Canarem, Tarlac (P-38, pump area)

Good results: less water, similar yields Less pump hours, less fuel, less costs Positive feedback and acceptance of AWD

Demo site in Sto Domingo, UPRIIS (gravity)Similar results in terms of no yield reductionBetter soil conditions during harvest

(mechanization)NIA: encouraged dissemination in UPRIIS and

other irrigation systems

Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project

Expansion and rehabilitation of UPRIIS service area

Additional 37,000 ha (>23,000)More water in the system

Current water situation

UPRIIS Division 5Complementing Division 1-4Casecnan canal reaches Tarlac

Current water situation

UPRIIS Division 5Complementing Division 1-4Casecnan reaches Tarlac

The case UPRIIS

“Flat-rate” water pricingWater shortages only in parts during dry season->Rotational water scheme applied (tail-end

“first”)

Sufficient, but inefficient water distribution (Lampayan)

“There is no shortage of water to start with” (Siopongco et al., 2013)

“Why should the farmer use AWD when there is plenty of water in the canals?” (Lack of incentives, no cost reductions?)

Global relevance of AWD

Imminent water crisis in Asia El Niño years?Methane gas reductions and AWDAWD meant as response option to water scarcity“The concept should be there” (Lampayan)

Research questions

AWD relevance in UPRIIS and pump irrigated area?

How do irrigation practices of farmers change under Casecnan?

What are the perceptions of farmers on AWD?Presentation focuses on Canarem and Casecnan

Hypotheses

AWD most beneficial for pump usersFarmers with in UPRIIS have sufficient water for

cont. flooding and do lack incentives to use AWDThe Casecnan project changes the irrigation

practices of farmers in Canarem (gets reached by SDC).

• Key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions• NIA, NIA-UPRIIS, PhilRice, IRRI• Opinions and perceptions on AWD of NIA and farmers• Water management focus

2 cases: gravity and pump under improving water availability

Data analysis just startedOnly some initial findings

Canarem

Do get reached by SDC (tail-end) in two seasonsOverlapping irrigationP-38, TG10 and other IAs (suppl. canal)Parts do not get reached

Canarem

Suppl. Irrigation in start of season (timing)Too much water in times of terminal

drainageExcess water wets their fieldsConstruction of bypass canal and dam to

capture excess waterAdjusting for double cropping

Farmers perceptions

“Back in 2002 there was not enough water. Today it seems that AWD is not needed anymore.”

Past: 5 hours of irrigation (8 l/h), AWD: 3 hours“We used AWD to save costs for irrigation”Fuel prices high - Irrigation service fees cheaper

Canarem farmers use AWD even with sufficient water for cont. flooding

there are only some stages that the field should be irrigated (tillering and flowering stage)

Less irrigation time (costs), more time, heavier grains

Disadvantages: 3 days after transplanting we sprayed herbicide

to control the weeds

Why is it hard to convince other farmers to implement AWD in their field? “Other farmers do not care if other farmers do not

have water.”“It will be very hard to implement AWD in the

gravity irrigation system because there is a lot of water.”

They even suggest volumetric pricing in UPRIIS. “Let farmers pay the amount they use”

How is AWD implemented?

DA Administrative Order 25: disseminate water-saving technologies AWD is part of training activities

NIA: why should farmers use AWD when canals are full?There are benefits in using AWD, however

not well known Some are not open to it

Canarem farmers: There should be somebody who will teach farmers about the

technology. NIA should have a strong(er) policy to implement AWD

Upstream farmers do not follow rotational scheduleNIA Rationalisation + NIA administration has new focus

Why AWD?

Water is becoming scarce and farmers should be prepared for the future

AWD is a response option in case of water scarcityLocal relevance: “Farmers will not lose anything” “The concept should be there” AWD can be beneficial for farmers

Strong policy support is needed

Suggestions

Look for ways to effectively communicate the AWD concept and farmers’ perceptions among them: It’s ok to let the field dry for certain days Canarem farmers use AWD even with sufficient water

for cont. flooding

Thanks to IRRI and my Team

Room for discussion