By Kenneth Marcos 
The morning sun beats down on the rice paddies, yet farmers find themselves struggling with water shortages, especially during the dry season. New research shows there’s a practical way to use water more efficiently without sacrificing rice harvests: the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology.
AWD is a method where rice fields are allowed to dry partially before being flooded again. Studies reveal that this approach can reduce water use by up to 21% in the dry season and up to 50% during the wet season. Despite its proven effectiveness, adoption has been slow, particularly in rice farms that rely on canal-based or gravity-fed irrigation.
Experts emphasize that technology alone is not enough. Proper water management is crucial. Factors such as soil type, land elevation, and the irrigation system all influence how widely AWD can be implemented. For canal-based irrigation, careful planning and monitoring are essential to ensure the method works effectively.
Expanding AWD across the country will require more than awareness. Farmers need support through efficient irrigation management, monitoring tools, and incentives. One promising option is linking AWD use to carbon credit programs, allowing farmers to earn from reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
With climate change affecting water availability and increasing costs for irrigation, adopting AWD can help farmers save water, maintain stable yields, and improve resilience. Wider implementation could make rice farming more sustainable while ensuring food security for millions of Filipinos who rely on local rice production.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News