The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) announced on Apr. 29 the formation of a multisectoral working group to assess the feasibility of new reservoir projects in the Chicama and La Leche river basins, aiming to improve water availability, irrigation efficiency, and agricultural production in La Libertad and Lambayeque.
This initiative is intended to address challenges related to water management for agriculture, which is vital for local communities. The working group will study the Ascope 1, Ascope 2, and La Calzada reservoir projects as part of efforts to strengthen resource management in northern Peru.
During the installation of the working group, Felipe Meza Millán, Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, said: “Sin agua no hay agricultura, y sin agricultura no hay desarrollo para nuestras familias ni para nuestras regiones. El país tiene un enorme potencial productivo, pero necesitamos infraestructura hídrica para aprovecharlo plenamente; debemos asegurar que estos proyectos no solo garanticen riego, sino también protejan a la población frente a inundaciones.”
Meza Millán also said: “No queremos que estos proyectos se queden en estudios o en cartera; buscamos impulsarlos con responsabilidad para que se concreten y beneficien directamente a los agricultores.” He further emphasized responsibility by stating: “Con ese compromiso venimos a instalar esta mesa de trabajo con responsabilidad.”
The group includes MIDAGRI along with entities such as the National Water Authority (ANA), Subsectoral Irrigation Program (PSI), PROINVERSIÓN, Chavimochic Special Project, Olmos Tinajones Project, and representatives from regional governments. This collaboration seeks to accelerate both feasibility studies and implementation.
According to the official website, MIDAGRI promotes cultural and social well-being through rural inclusion initiatives focused on food security. The ministry serves agricultural producers across Peru through its central headquarters in Jesús María as well as decentralized offices nationwide. It operates within Peru’s Executive Branch according to official information.
The ministry advances strategies that promote sustainable agricultural development while supporting legislative measures aimed at strengthening rural communities according to its website. Created in 2020 by legislation as reported by MIDAGRI, it oversees agrarian development programs designed for food security and resource management throughout Peru.
With this latest action regarding reservoir projects in northern regions, MIDAGRI aims to reinforce integrated water management strategies that contribute not only to greater hydric security but also continued growth within Peru’s agricultural sector.
