The National Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), approved 48 irrigation and drainage projects across the country in 2025. These projects received technical approval to ensure alignment with the National Irrigation and Drainage Plan 2021–2026 (PNRD). The aim is to guarantee public investment that is planned, transparent, and focused on rural development priorities and food security.
This process enables the transfer of resources to provincial Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GADs) for building strategic water infrastructure. The approved projects represent an estimated public investment of USD 43.04 million, expected to benefit 39,674 people directly and cover interventions on 34,791 productive hectares.
The MAE, acting as the Single Water Authority, issues technical compliance reports to strengthen water governance. This ensures that investments follow technical, environmental, and sustainability criteria in line with the current PNRD.
In 2025, the ministry carried out a comprehensive process including technical training sessions for local governments. Six national workshops were held to build capacity; technical guidelines were shared; and direct assistance was provided to provincial teams for proper project formulation.
As a result of this coordinated effort, 22 provincial GADs submitted their initiatives. The MAE issued 23 compliance reports—22 related to projects scheduled for execution in 2025—allowing resource allocation for these initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government is planning further actions such as organizing additional workshops, providing ongoing technical support for active projects, and preparing materials needed for updating the National Irrigation and Drainage Plan.
For next year, USD 45.9 million has been earmarked for transfer to prefectures as part of continued investment in irrigation and drainage responsibilities. According to the statement: “With these actions, the National Government reaffirms its commitment to sustainable rural development, agricultural productivity and efficient use of water resources by consolidating a public policy that prioritizes food security, territorial equity and well-being of rural families.”
