In Guanajuato, 76% of the available water is allocated to agriculture, making the modernization of irrigation systems essential to ensure water sustainability in the region. José Lara Lona, Secretary of Water and Environment, has explained that this project involves the participation of producers from Irrigation District 011, who will contribute 16 million pesos, while the state government will contribute 1.3 million and most of the investment will come from the Federation.
The modernization of irrigation will bring significant benefits, such as a more efficient distribution of water, preventing waste and improving agricultural productivity. Among the highlighted aspects is the reduction of water consumption, as systems like drip irrigation can decrease water use by 30% to 70% compared to gravity irrigation. Additionally, higher crop productivity is expected with more precise and regulated irrigation, contributing to the environmental sustainability of the state by conserving water resources.
Despite the expected benefits, some farmers have expressed concern about the lack of training and financing to adopt new irrigation technologies. It is estimated that more than 25,000 producers will benefit, and up to 120 million cubic meters of water will be saved annually with this project, which still faces challenges in its transition towards a more sustainable agriculture.
This irrigation modernization program, part of the National Water Plan, has been highlighted by Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo as a key initiative to reduce water waste in the agricultural sector. For this, it is essential to establish support programs for producers and ensure that the modernization generates tangible results in Guanajuato's agricultural field.
With an investment exceeding 6.4 billion pesos, the government of Guanajuato, in collaboration with the Federation, began in 2025 a project to modernize irrigation systems in the state, aiming to ensure a more efficient and sustainable use of water resources in the agricultural sector.
