
IFAD increases the size of the grant for the development of irrigation infrastructure from $300 thousand to $500 thousand.
This amendment was approved on July 2 by the Program Supervision Committee of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which includes representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the State Chancellery, the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry and representatives of specialized associations. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea noted that the introduction of irrigation systems is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, which can ensure stability in development through competitive products and minimization of production risks. IFAD programs in Moldova support agricultural producers focused on modern and sustainable agriculture. Director of the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation of IFAD Programs in Moldova (UCIP IFAD), Iurie Usurelu, noted that increasing the support ceiling from $300 thousand to $500 thousand will make it possible to finance large-scale irrigation infrastructure projects and attract more farmers located at a greater distance from water sources. Beneficiaries of grants up to $500 thousand can be water user associations, official agricultural enterprises at the local level, including in cooperation with local government administrations. To submit a request for funding, the action group must include 5 small registered farmers who privately cultivate up to 50 hectares of land. In addition, up to 28 agricultural producers can join the action group, including those who manage more than 50 hectares of land. The maximum grant amount will be calculated according to the formula: $15 thousand for each beneficiary, with a contribution of only 10% from the group of producers. Types of investments supported through the grant: small irrigation systems connected to existing central irrigation systems; small irrigation systems with existing water sources in the populated area (pumping station from natural river/lake reservoirs); construction and restoration of reservoirs and ponds. UCIP IFAD offers free technical assistance in preparing dossiers for funding. More detailed information can be found on the website ucipifad.md. // 03.07.2024 – InfoMarket.