Government of SC invests in projects to capture water in rural areas

Rural producers in Santa Catarina have new lines of credit for investment in water capture, storage and use systems. The State Government, through the State Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, is allocating R$4,5 million to support farmers in the construction of approximately 200 artesian wells, cisterns and irrigation projects.

“This is a very important initiative to guarantee productivity and income in agriculture. Rural producers are a fundamental force in the Santa Catarina economy. We support these producers in this challenging period and believe in the important role they play in the development of the state”, highlights Governor Carlos Moisés.

Dry periods are not rare in Santa Catarina and since June 2019, rural producers have suffered from the impacts of drought. According to estimates from the Center for Socioeconomics and Agricultural Planning (Epagri/Cepa), the state accumulates losses of more than R$436 million due to the drought, mainly in grain production, fruit farming and dairy farming.

"There are three projects from the Department of Agriculture to facilitate projects for the construction of artesian wells, water storage and also irrigation to help producers in these periods of drought. It is an important action by the State Government to give more peace of mind to farmers in times of drought ", reinforces the department's secretary, Ricardo de Gouvêa.

Water for the field

Água para Todos has resources for financing the construction of wells, storage structures and water distribution.

Financing will be up to R$25 per producer or up to R$50 for collective projects, which can be paid in up to 36 months, with a six-month grace period and interest-free.

Financing for the construction of artesian wells

The State Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development is investing, via the Rural Development Fund (FDR), R$1,5 million in interest-free financing for the capture and use of water.

FDR financing has a limit of R$25 per producer, with five years to pay and no interest. This is an existing line that will be reinforced throughout 2020.

Irrigation Program

Subsidy for interest on financing taken out by rural producers, up to a limit of R$30 and interest of up to 4,5% per year, for a maximum period of eight years. Interest bonuses will be paid annually to farmers.