Pernambuco Gov‑candidate João Campos pushes irrigation expansion in Vale do São Francisco

Pre‑candidate for the Pernambuco governorship João Campos toured the Project Muquém irrigation system in the Vale do São Francisco on 11 July. He inspected the reservoir that supplies water to about 140 hectares, visited grape‑cultivation areas at Fazenda São Bento and met with local producers to discuss structural demands and new investments for irrigated agriculture.

Campos said the project, originally built under former governor Eduardo Campos, creates jobs and boosts productivity, noting that grape farming generates four jobs per hectare, 60‑70% of them occupied by women. He called for expanding the irrigation network to additional macro‑regions of the state, citing the need for new water delivery cycles, improved infrastructure, and lower energy costs for farmers. The visit concluded with a hearing at the local agro‑irrigators’ association, attended by Senator Humberto Costa and vice‑governor candidate Carlos Costa, where producers voiced requests for better road access, land regularisation, irrigation network growth and reduced electricity expenses.