Government invests RD$21 million in irrigation modernization due to drought

Dominican government promotes agricultural modernization with millionaire incentives

The Dominican Government, under the management of the National Irrigation Technification Executive Directorate (TNR), has taken a fundamental step towards the modernization of the countryside by granting more than 21 million pesos in non-reimbursable incentives to 48 agricultural producers. This initiative seeks to optimize water use and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of the challenges imposed by climate change.

Through the Fund for the Promotion of Irrigation System Technification (Fotesir), the entity has delivered a total of RD$21,371,191.09 in bonuses over the last two weeks. This financial support directly benefits farmers in various strategic areas of the country, including Sabana Grande de Palenque, Nizao, Padre Las Casas, Guayabal, Bohechío, Las Yayas, Vicente Noble, Tamayo, and Vallejuelo, covering an area of more than 2,000 tareas.

Impact on productivity and resource savings

Claudio Caamaño Vélez, director of the TNR, highlighted that these funds are essential for the rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation systems on the plots. The main objective is to increase water efficiency and ensure that producers can adapt to adverse climatic conditions, such as prolonged droughts.

These bonus deliveries not only formally recognize the beneficiary producers, but also constitute a decisive step towards the modernization of irrigation, water conservation, and the country’s water and food security.

The implementation of these bonuses, added to the financial support of the Bagri-Riego program, has generated a positive impact on the farmers’ economy. The statistics reflect a significant reduction in operating costs per task, managing to lower them from RD$35,000 to approximately RD$15,978.41.

A commitment to agricultural sustainability

• National reach: With this latest delivery, the number of producers benefiting from Fotesir rises to 156 throughout the national territory.
• Comprehensive support: In addition to non-reimbursable capital, farmers receive technical assistance, training, and professional guidance to ensure the sustainability of their systems.
• Climate resilience: The strategy seeks to prepare the agricultural sector to face recurrent droughts, guaranteeing the stability of Dominican food production.

With these actions, the Dominican State reaffirms its commitment to democratizing access to efficient irrigation technologies, positioning modernization as a cross-cutting axis for agricultural development and the protection of natural resources in the face of climate change.