Chile's National Irrigation Commission allocates $3.8 billion for Atacama irrigation projects

The National Irrigation Commission (CNR) in Chile announced a new funding round worth 3.8 billion Chilean pesos to support pending civil works for irrigation in the Atacama region. The competition, identified as contest 15‑2026, targets Water User Organizations and Small User Organizations that previously submitted projects but were not selected. Eligible works include conveyance structures without telemetry, water‑resource management projects, new or retrofitted distribution systems with motorization or automation, and other irrigation‑related facilities such as intake structures, gates and siphons.

The program aims to strengthen water security for agriculture, accelerate project execution and help farmers cope with drought and climate‑change impacts. Guillermo Procuriza, the regional agriculture secretary, urged eligible entities to resubmit proposals so they can be realized and improve irrigation certainty in the sector. Applications must be filed through the CNR website between 24 June and 18 August 2026.