World Bank funds 11.8 million USD irrigation project in Moldova
Moldova will fully overhaul three centralized irrigation systems in its northern region, granting vital water access to farmers in Tețcani, Corjeuți, and Beleavinți.
The 11.8 million USD modernization initiative is funded by the World Bank to bolster the country’s agricultural sector.
The complex engineering plan includes rebuilding three existing reservoirs and constructing a new one.
Infrastructure expansion
Contractors will build three new pumping stations and completely reconstruct three existing facilities.
The project also features the installation of 32 kilometers of distribution networks and 15 kilometers of supply pipelines.
For the first time, a newly constructed pumping station will grant farmers in Tețcani and Corjeuți direct access to water from the Prut River.
Meanwhile, agricultural lands in Beleavinți will draw water from the Vilia River via a purpose-built reservoir.
Economic and climate resilience
“We want to direct support to areas with viable water sources where investments yield high returns,” said Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.
“Our mandate is to build the framework necessary to unlock our farmers' potential, diversify exports, and accelerate integration into the European Union Single Market,” Catlabuga added.
Agricultural experts estimate that modernizing and interconnecting these networks will boost crop yields in the target zones by 50% compared to the last decade's average.
This infrastructure upgrade will significantly reduce local producers' vulnerability to severe droughts and climate volatility.
National irrigation strategy
Preparatory legal and technical procedures are nearing completion, with on-site construction scheduled to begin within weeks.
The entire irrigation complex will become fully operational in approximately two years.
This regional initiative aligns with a broader national effort.
In early June, Moldova secured €60 million (approx. 1.18 billion MDL) financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).
The EUR funding will rehabilitate irrigation systems across at least 3,000 hectares of agricultural land nationwide.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
