Talmaza village likely to benefit from major irrigation rehabilitation project

The agricultural community in Talmaza, Stefan Voda district, is taking the first steps towards a large-scale project for the rehabilitation of the centralized irrigation system. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga met yesterday with members of the Water User Association for Irrigation Agrobalta-Talmaza, discussing the concrete steps needed to turn the initiative into reality.

The minister encouraged farmers to work closely together and build a strong project capable of attracting external financial support.


'The more involved and numerous you are, the easier it will be for us at the ministry to convince international partners that this project deserves support. This is an endeavor we undertake together for the future of agriculture in the area,' emphasized Ludmila Catlabuga.


For the project's success, the official outlined three key conditions.


'These involve extending the area to at least 1000 hectares; involving as many members as possible, whether individuals or legal entities; and assuming member responsibilities, including the initial contribution and annual fee. If the plan is carried out, the modernized irrigation system could significantly increase agricultural productivity in Talmaza and neighboring localities, contributing to the economic development of the entire area,' pointed out the Agriculture Minister.


At the same time, the centralized irrigation network in the localities of Crocmaz, Caplani and Tudora in Stefan Voda district is undergoing rehabilitation and could be expanded following requests from local farmers. The work is being carried out under AGGRI Project, implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with support from the World Bank, and includes the complete modernization of two pumping stations, the rehabilitation of a reservoir with a capacity of approximately 82,000 cubic meters, the construction of 50 kilometers of pipelines, and the installation of 119 aluminum hydrants. The modernized infrastructure will bring around 2500 hectares of agricultural land back into the irrigated circuit.

In 2023, the Parliament ratified a Loan Agreement from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, amounting to 55 million dollars for the development of the agricultural sector. Out of this sum, 25 million dollars will be invested in the rehabilitation of primary and secondary irrigation infrastructure.