New irrigation system in Crocmaz to serve 2,500 hectares of farmland by 2027
Farmers in Ștefan Vodă are set to gain climate resilience as construction begins on a 157-million-MDL irrigation network, modernizing 2,500 hectares of drought-stricken land near the Ukrainian border.
Modernizing agricultural infrastructure in Crocmaz
The project revitalizes a Soviet-era system that has remained dormant for three decades. Once completed, the facility will provide reliable water access to over 100 local agricultural households, ending a cycle of crop failure that began in 2017.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu visited the site to inspect the progress, noting that the infrastructure allows farmers to precision-target their water usage based on real-time crop needs. This technological shift aims to position local produce as a competitive force within European markets.
"This station will resolve the chronic water shortages faced since 2017, enabling our farmers to operate under high-performance conditions and compete effectively on the European market," stated Igor Grosu.
A collaborative funding model for resilience
The initiative stands as a landmark for community cooperation. More than 100 farmers organized into an association, contributing 1,100 MDL per hectare to secure the project's viability.
The remaining capital is provided by the World Bank through the "Investments for Governance, Growth, and Resilience in Agriculture" program. This hybrid financing ensures both local ownership and international quality standards for the infrastructure, which is scheduled for full delivery by 2027.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
