The Portuguese Government will invest more than 4.5 million euros in the Xévora Hydro-Agricultural Development, in the municipality of Campo Maior, Portalegre district. The public tender has been published for the design and construction of a pumping station that aims to reinforce the capacity of this hydro-agricultural development. Bids from competitors may be submitted until October 2nd.
The investment represents a commitment made by the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, about a month ago, during the inauguration of the irrigation network of this project. The work is promoted by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development and has funding from the European Union.
The Ministry of Agriculture considers that the investment assumes particular relevance in an area of the country where irrigated farming has decisive importance for agricultural activity. The minister argued that this investment fits within the "Water that Unites" Strategy, allowing for reinforcing agricultural productivity, reducing costs, and providing predictability to farmers.
In July, the irrigation network of the AHX was inaugurated, covering a benefited area of 1,560 hectares, situated in the Guadiana River basin and fed by the Abrilongo dam, completed in 2000. This irrigation network represented an investment exceeding 18.9 million euros.
