The Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental is poised to earn income from lettuce production using the solar energy-powered greenhouse with hydroponics technology funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 (Western Visayas).

The facility was turned over on Oct. 13 by the DA-6 through the DA – Negros Island Region (NIR) to the CPSU, led by its president Aladino Moraca.

It grows five lettuce varieties and has 2,700 heads ready for harvest.

“The project aims to promote technology in modern and sustainable agriculture through the use of solar-powered system and hydroponics that ensures efficient and clean production of vegetables,” the DA-NIR said in a statement on Thursday.

The five varieties grown in the CPSU greenhouse include Sunny Rose, Black Rose, Green Span, Invicta, and Sanggari, which can be sold at PHP20 per head.

Based on the DA price monitoring, lettuce varieties are available at an average market price of PHP182.42 per kg. in the National Capital Region.

In a separate statement, the CPSU said the greenhouse, located at the CPSU Main Campus Greentech Area, is expected to become an income-generating asset of the university as it produces and improves access to fresh, quality, and healthy food for students, stakeholders, and the community.

“The facility also operates as a concrete model for sustainability, with all electrical components, including the water pump, drip system, cooling system, and lighting system being powered by solar energy,” it said.

According to the CPSU, the greenhouse project has also opened employment opportunities for two community members who were hired to tend the lettuce plants and operate the facility.

Maryvic Pedrosa, director of the CPSU Production and Enterprise Development Office, said the greenhouse will initially operate for instructional and research purposes.

“It will serve as a laboratory for both the students and university faculty to enhance their knowledge and explore developments in hydroponics-grown lettuce and other innovations in greenhouse technology,” she added. (PNA)