Maule Region implements irrigation and solar energy programs for small farmers

Agricultural initiatives in Chile’s Maule Region are providing significant financial support to small-scale farmers to modernize irrigation and adopt renewable energy.

A program funded by the Maule Regional Government and executed alongside INDAP involves an investment of approximately $3.7 billion CLP. This initiative aims to support 432 farmers across 30 communes by financing irrigation works that incorporate photovoltaic systems. These solar-powered solutions are designed to reduce electricity and fuel costs, with estimated seasonal savings for farmers ranging between $526,000 and $1.05 million CLP. The program also includes pilot projects to improve the sanitary quality of irrigation water.

Additionally, the National Irrigation Commission (CNR) has allocated over $343 million CLP through an exclusive contest for women in small-scale family farming. This funding has benefited 16 projects, allowing female farmers to implement technologies such as drip irrigation, accumulation tanks, and photovoltaic energy to combat water scarcity and maintain family agricultural traditions.