The Regional Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development, Carmen Crespo, has handed over three aid resolutions for the modernisation of irrigation systems worth 1.8 million euros, which will benefit more than 3,000 Almeria farmers in Cuatro Vegas, Pulpí and Arboleas. In total, the investment involved in these actions is close to 2.9 million euros when the private funds of this public-private partnership are added together.
The irrigation modernisation project of the Arboleas User Community, subsidised by the Andalusian Government, includes the improvement of 129 hectares belonging to almost 500 farmers dedicated mainly to the cultivation of citrus fruits (70%), although the farms also have fruit trees, olive trees, almond trees and vineyards. The aid granted by the Regional Ministry of Agriculture amounts to 640,000 euros, which represents 80% of the total investment planned by the irrigators (840,000 euros). The works, which are expected to last around five months, will save up to 26% of the water currently used by these irrigators.