Castilla-La Mancha funds irrigation upgrades and research with €1.3M

The regional government of Castilla‑La Mancha has earmarked more than €1.3 million this legislative term to modernise irrigation infrastructure for seven water‑users’ associations in the province of Cuenca, covering up to 90 % of eligible investment costs. Beneficiaries include the San Isidro community in Huerta del Marquesado, which received just over €33 000 for dam repairs, and the Río Laguna y Novato community in Campillos Sierra, granted about €100 000 to expand cultivated area four‑fold. Other supported groups are El Borbotón, La Grajuela, La Noria, Villalbilla, and La Chocilla. The funding aims to improve water‑use efficiency, sustain the agricultural sector and promote the region’s rural economy.

In parallel, the Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF) concluded 49 research projects in 2025, financed by European, national and regional funds. Projects target digital tools such as drones and satellites for pest and disease monitoring, as well as advancements in pistachio, olive and viticulture production, and animal breeding. Notable achievements include a vaccine against American foulbrood for bees and studies on varroa control. The institute also delivered 146 training courses to over 3 500 participants, supporting generational renewal in the agricultural sector.