Potential of irrigated agriculture is the theme of a workshop

The São Francisco and Parnaíba Valleys Development Company (Codevasf) is promoting the 1st Workshop on Irrigated Agriculture and Regional Development. The event presents actions, projects and potential of irrigated agriculture in states that are part of the Company's area of ​​operation and promotes dialogue for the construction of partnerships and the strengthening of the sector. The workshop ends today (19), and is held at the Company's headquarters, in Brasília. 

The workshop will be attended by directors and superintendents of Codevasf and representatives of the Ministries of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR) and Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), the National Irrigated Agriculture Network (RENAI), Abrafrutas and state agriculture departments.

The CEO of Codevasf, Marcelo Moreira, emphasized at the opening of the event that the purpose of the initiative is to gather experiences acquired in the states and create opportunities for sharing strategies and plans regarding irrigated agriculture. “The objective is to address emancipatory projects, projects where we will generate employment, generate income, produce food and generate wealth for our country,” he highlighted.

Giuseppe Vieira, National Secretary for Water Security at MIDR, stated that the ministry advocates irrigated agriculture for sustainable food production, with efficient use of water. “There is nothing better than Codevasf promoting this agenda here at its home, bringing together stakeholders, especially superintendents from the Northeast region and secretaries of agriculture from the states of the Northeast region, which are states with great potential for the advancement of irrigated agriculture,” he said.

The director of the Irrigation and Operations Area at Codevasf, Alessandra Rossin, presented the Company’s actions and data on irrigation projects. “Irrigated agriculture generates jobs, with the lowest investment per permanent job; production, because it guarantees diversity and increases productivity; food security; and the development of other chains. The consequence of all this is increased income,” she emphasized.

The Secretary of Family Farming of Maranhão, Bira do Pindaré, noted that family farming has enormous potential. "We no longer talk about subsistence in family farming. We want to think of a different logic, of overcoming poverty. And this will only happen if we think of it from the perspective of economic sustainability. This is a great challenge. And irrigation is vital for this to happen," he added.