Investments of about €130 million to modernize irrigation infrastructure

The Government of the Republic of Moldova

Two centralized irrigation systems in the country will be rehabilitated and modernized, while approximately 6,900 hectares of agricultural land will gain access to irrigation infrastructure. The works will be carried out under Moldova – Sustainable Water Supply Project (Irrigation). The Government approved the signing of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the implementation of the project.

During the first stage, Masivul Căușeni irrigation system, located in Ștefan Vodă District and serving approximately 2,000 hectares of agricultural land, will be rehabilitated. The modernized infrastructure will subsequently be transferred to the management of the “Kîzîl” Association of Irrigation Water Users.

Another approximately 4,900 hectares will benefit from modernized infrastructure through the rehabilitation of Puhăcenii de Sus system, located in Criuleni and Anenii Noi districts. The system will subsequently be managed by Dubăsarii Vechi and Aqua Terra Delacău Associations of Irrigation Water Users, depending on the area served by each association.

The estimated value of the project is approximately €130 million. Financing will be provided through loans and grants offered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union, through the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova. The funds will also be used to strengthen the capacities of the responsible institutions and of irrigation water users’ associations.

“We also have the contribution of the private sector – 300 farmers who contribute 3%. We start from local needs and build where necessary,” said Eugeniu Osmochescu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.

The modernization of the systems will provide farmers with better access to reliable water sources for irrigation and will help reduce agriculture’s vulnerability to drought and the effects of climate change.

Currently, 9 projects for the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure are being implemented in the Republic of Moldova. According to sectoral estimates, the rehabilitation of existing systems is expected to increase agricultural productivity in the areas served by approximately 50% compared with the average of the past decade.