The PHP2.85 million solar-powered greenhouse facility in Passi City is eyed to boost urban farming, increasing the production of vegetables and other high-value crops, a report from the Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas said on Wednesday.

The 1,500-square-meter greenhouse built on a usufruct lot from the city government of Passi in Barangay Sablagon is funded by the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) of the DA. It is equipped with hydroponic and drip fertigation systems.

The facility was turned over on Tuesday to the Gines Viejo Farmers Association, a 39-member group composed largely of backyard vegetable growers, to manage the facility.

Association president Gilda Beter said the greenhouse is expected to produce around 100 kilograms of sweet pepper and 50 to 70 kilograms of cherry tomatoes per harvest cycle, with harvests expected to last for three months.

During the first production cycle, the harvested lettuce yielded PHP55,000 in net income, which was distributed to association members.

Meanwhile, Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares announced plans to replicate the greenhouse technology through additional projects to be funded by the city government.

“We are very happy seeing this project and the way it is being managed by the Gines Viejo Farmers Association. I hope this initiative will continue and benefit more local government units,” the mayor said in a statement.

NUPAP focal person Ester Ruth Torreverde, meanwhile, said the DA is assisting the farmers’ association in developing a production plan that aligns with market demand, particularly for consistent supply requirements of future institutional buyers.

“We need to ensure that before planting, there is already a guaranteed market. If buyers require weekly deliveries, the association should be able to harvest crops weekly,” Torreverde said.

DA Regional Technical Director for Operations Maria Teresa Solis, who led the turnover, encouraged the farmer-members to sustain and further develop the project, saying such initiatives are designed to support, not burden, local producers. (PNA)