INDAP provides emergency irrigation to Atacama livestock farmers

The Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, through the Institute for Agricultural Development (INDAP), has awarded 10 emergency irrigation projects to address the agricultural crisis in the Atacama region. The initiative involves the delivery of mobile 5,000-liter tarpulin water tanks to livestock farmers in the southern sector of Vallenar.

These resources are part of a $250 million fund allocated via INDAP’s Minor Irrigation Works Program (PROMR) to mitigate the effects of recent heavy rains and subsequent water access issues. The aid specifically targets sectors such as Cachiyuyo, Pajonales, Hacienda Compañía, and La Cantera to ensure animals have access to drinking water.

In addition to the water tanks, authorities have been distributing motor pumps to vegetable growers in the valley to support local livelihoods affected by the weather emergency in the Huasco province.