São Paulo state set to increase irrigation initiatives

São Paulo state seeks to increase its irrigated areas, which will likely generate new projects.  

“Our goal is to double [irrigated areas] coverage in a maximum of four years and reach 15% by 2030,” agriculture and supply secretary Guilherme Piai said in a statement.

Currently, only 6% of São Paulo's productive area is irrigated.

The plan is being developed in partnership with the University of Nebraska and company Lindsay, which operates in more than 90 countries.

The state will provide financing for farmers’ irrigation initiatives.

Currently, the country's irrigated agricultural areas correspond to less than 20% of the total cultivated area, but are responsible for the production of more than 40% of food, fiber and bioenergy crops.

São Paulo’s plans come as extreme weather events are becoming more intense and numerous.

“The effects of climate change are increasingly strong and São Paulo is going through a period of great drought. But those who have their crops irrigated have their production guaranteed,” said Piai.