The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) announced on March 27 that it will invest more than S/ 69 million this year to carry out 20 projects through the National Program for Technified Irrigation. The ministry said these initiatives aim to promote new works and strengthen the capacities of key actors in the sector.
The government says these efforts are intended to modernize irrigation, encourage efficient water use, and improve competitiveness in agriculture. Technical assistance will be provided to Business Management Groups, as well as support for Water User Organizations and Regional Governments.
According to MIDAGRI, ongoing interventions include access to sprinkler, drip, and multi-gate irrigation systems. These technologies are expected to make water use more efficient and increase agricultural production.
Currently, seven technified irrigation projects are underway with an investment of S/ 30.1 million. These works will benefit 481 families and irrigate a total of 541 hectares across Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Huancavelica, and Arequipa. Notable projects include Huillaparac and San Rafael in Huánuco (96% complete), Valle Colorado in Cusco (91%), as well as additional interventions in Áncash, Junín, Arequipa, Huancavelica.
In the first quarter of this year three projects were completed in Lambayeque, Arequipa and Áncash with an investment exceeding S/7 million. These benefited 109 families by incorporating technified irrigation into over 102 hectares. By the end of last year five other works had been finished in Ayacucho, Puno, Apurímac and Lima with a total investment of S/19 million benefiting another 305 families.
Further works are scheduled to begin soon: new projects will start shortly in Ayacucho and Áncash while additional interventions are set for late April in Huancavelica and Piura. Meanwhile MIDAGRI continues promoting further initiatives nationwide.
Arequipa is highlighted as a focus area where ten technified irrigation projects totaling S/36.33 million will benefit over two hundred families across four provinces including Arequipa itself plus Islay Castilla Caylloma supporting crops such as grapes olives garlic artichoke oregano quinoa alfalfa potato tarwi avocado among others.
