Public irrigation systems from two settlements of Moldova to be rehabilitated under Integrated Agriculture and Irrigation Development Programme

Two public irrigation systems in Calinesti and Criulenii de Sus, which cover over 3,000 hectares of agricultural land, will be rehabilitated under the Integrated Agriculture and Irrigation Development Programme (iDRIP), launched in Chisinau. The programme includes a financial package with a total value of 60 million euros.

The financial package consists of a 45-million-euro loan provided by the French Development Agency and a 15-million-euro grant offered by the European Union. The programme aims to expand farmers’ access to water resources for irrigation by modernizing existing infrastructure and developing efficient water management systems.

“iDRIP is aligned with the government’s goal to develop sustainable agriculture and to strengthen rural communities that are capable of responding to current climate and economic challenges. The signing of these Agreements represents an important step towards modernizing agriculture in Moldova and developing a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector. Investments in irrigation infrastructure mean greater security for farmers, more stable agricultural yields and a better capacity to adapt to climate change. At the same time, this project confirms the trust and constant support of European partners for the sustainable development of Moldova,” said Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Ludmila Catlabuga.

According to the official, in addition to rehabilitating the irrigation systems in Calinesti and Criulenii de Sus, the project also provides funding for small-scale infrastructure for water collection and storage. These investments will allow the additional irrigation of at least 750 hectares of agricultural land.

The credit facility agreement and the grant agreement for the implementation of the programme were signed by Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Ludmila Catlabuga and Mathieu Vasseur. The documents were co-signed by Benjamin Haddad.

“The iDRIP programme shows France’s commitment to supporting the European path of Moldova, including through the European Union’s Growth Plan. Accession to the European Union is a long road that involves a very demanding reform process, but it is essential both for candidate countries and for the EU. It is an economic opportunity, a democratic achievement and a way to guarantee stability and peace on our continent. Wherever I go, I am impressed by the attraction that our flag exerts on those who wish to join the EU,” noted French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.

iDRIP is the first agriculture-related project supported through the European Union’s Growth Plan for Moldova. In addition to infrastructure investments, the project will include training and capacity-building activities for farmers and institutions involved in water resources’ management and the development of sustainable agriculture.

The signing of the documents took place during the visit to Chisinau of the French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, in the context of his participation in the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.