San Juan Province is set to receive a significant boost to its water infrastructure with a new investment of RD$ 10 million, announced by the Executive Directorate of National Irrigation Technology and the Agricultural Bank. But will this funding actually deliver on its promise of increased efficiency and a more secure food supply?
Modernizing Irrigation for a More Secure Future
The initiative aims to revitalize systems connected to the Las Dos Bocas Dam, directly benefiting small agricultural producers in Vallejuelo and Jorgillo.
- The funding will be distributed as non-refundable bonuses—up to 70%—for selected projects.
- The program focuses on improving water use efficiency, boosting crop productivity, and minimizing environmental impact.
- Small producers with holdings of 100 pieces of land or less are eligible to participate.
- Applications will be accepted until March 2, 2026.
The core objective of this program is to dramatically raise water use efficiency, a critical step toward improving crop yields and lessening the environmental strain on the region. Currently, studies reveal that irrigation efficiency in the area is shockingly low—less than 22%—and the quality of the local water resources is steadily declining, according to Claudio Caamano, director of the entity.
What exactly does this mean for local farmers? The plan is to replace outdated traditional irrigation systems with modern technologies designed to cut operating costs and speed up project completion times. The Agricultural Bank is prioritizing the technical aspects of agricultural financing to ensure that every installed project functions optimally.
This year, the financial institution has allocated a substantial RD$ 840 million fund for technology-focused credits—a significant increase compared to previous years.
The resources will flow through the Fund for the Promotion of the Technification of the Irrigation System, and the initiative is part of the broader Programa Bagri-Riego, a public policy aimed at modernizing the Dominican countryside and strengthening national food security. Eligible projects include the rehabilitation of regulation works, filtration systems, fertilization processes, and water control mechanisms.
A technical and legal team will carefully evaluate all applications, ensuring both feasibility and budgetary responsibility. The final results will be made public on the entity’s institutional portal and through national media outlets following the application closure.
