The Seremi of Agriculture of Maule, Ana Muñoz, and the zonal coordinator of the National Irrigation Commission (CNR) Claudio Cortés, visited today two families from the province of Curicó who were awarded irrigation improvement projects through the CNR small-scale agriculture program. The project involves a technical sprinkler irrigation project in Romeral by producer Adela González for a cherry orchard, and in the case of Curicó, it involves a drip irrigation project by producer Filomena Conteras, from the town of Sarmiento, for her peach orchard.
The purpose of the visit was to learn about the users' experience and to call on other producers and communities to participate in the second 2022-2023 contest of the small-scale agriculture program that is in its application process.
“We want more small farmers like Mrs. Adela and Mr. José, from Romeral, and Mrs. Filomena and Mr. Carlos, from Sarmiento, to also participate and have access to the competitions of the Irrigation Law”, explained Seremi Ana Muñoz.
“We are very happy to visit families who benefit from the small-scale agriculture program, where we can see how this program meets the needs and requirements of farmers in the Maule Region. In this second year of government, we reaffirm more than ever our commitment to family farming to work together with the services, in this case with the CNR, to continue supporting the development of farming families through more and better irrigation,” added the regional authority.
300 million for Maule
“From May 26 to July 5, the second 2022-2023 competition for the CNR small-scale agriculture program is open. In total, it has a pool of 4 billion pesos for the regions from Coquimbo to Los Lagos. In particular, the Maule region has a fund of 300 million pesos for small INDAP and non-INDAP agricultural producers, or potential INDAP users, as well as indigenous communities to apply.”, explained Claudio Cortés, zonal coordinator of CNR.
This program, he explained, "allows for water efficiency projects of up to 400 UF, following the guidelines of the government program for rural development and good living, the strengthening of family farming and the care of water in the context of a climate emergency," added the coordinator.
Small producers interested in learning more details can contact their irrigation consultant, the offices of the Seremi of Agriculture and CNR in Talca, their nearest INDAP area agency, or look for more information at https://www.cnr.gob.cl/pequena-agricultura/.
