Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Borçe Serafimovski announced that the third phase of the “Strajshtë” irrigation system will cost 25 million euros. It will cover 1,500 hectares of agricultural land. It will also meet the needs of around 6,000 farmers.
Work on the investment was launched in the village of Piravë, in the Municipality of Vallandovo. This is an agricultural investment aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure in the Vallandovo region, part of the wider area known as the Vardar Valley, where agriculture is the main activity for many families.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the mayor of the municipality, Gjoko Kamçev. This project follows two previous phases of the “Vardar Valley”. It continues the partnership with the German development bank KfW, placing emphasis on drip irrigation and the rational use of water.
According to the minister, the project envisages the construction of 70 kilometers of pressurized pipeline network. The installation of around 500 hydrants and a new pumping station is also planned. This infrastructure, he said, will enable the implementation of drip irrigation, more precise dosing and more economical use of water.
“For producers, this means greater control over the cultivation of agricultural crops and conditions for more stable yields and higher-quality production, especially during the dry periods of the year,” Serafimovski said. He stressed that the investment in infrastructure will be accompanied by advisory support and practical training for farmers.
In addition to construction, the project provides for farmers to receive professional recommendations on the efficient use of the system. The recommendations will include adjusting irrigation according to the characteristics and moisture of the soil, atmospheric conditions and the needs of the crops. “In this way, the investment in infrastructure will also be supported by knowledge that will help farmers make better use of its opportunities,” the minister added.
Serafimovski pointed out that the government, through this project, supports long-term investments in agricultural farms. More sustainable production will create room for better earnings for farmers and for the development of processing, storage and trade, with broader economic benefits for the entire Vallandovo region.