Introduction to the Program
The Mexican National Water Commission (CONAGUA) has unveiled progress on the “México se tecnifica” program, aiming to modernize agricultural irrigation infrastructure and recover water intended for human consumption. This initiative seeks to ensure the right to water across Mexico.
About CONAGUA and its Relevance
The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) is a Mexican government agency responsible for water policy, management, and regulation. Its director general, Efraín Morales, plays a crucial role in this program. With 76% of Mexico’s water allocated to agriculture, the program targets more than 200,000 hectares of farmland in various irrigation districts.
Program Objectives and Impact
The “México se tecnifica” program aims to recover up to 2,800 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to three times the annual supply for Mexico City. This unprecedented initiative focuses on recovering water for human consumption, with no similar programs existing worldwide.
Collaboration and Coordination
Morales highlighted the importance of collaboration with state, municipal governments, and agricultural producers. The project also involves the participation of military engineers contributing to infrastructure development across various regions.
Program Components and Interventions
Aarón Mastache Mondragón, the subdirector general of Hydro-Agricultural Infrastructure at CONAGUA, outlined the technical components of the initiative.
- Rehabilitation of deteriorated canals
- Repair and replacement of diversion dams and gates
- Switching from waterlogging irrigation methods to high-efficiency techniques like drip, sprinkler, and micro-sprinkler irrigation
The program has two levels of intervention: modernizing major infrastructure to transport water from dams to farmlands (recovering up to 40% of the resource) and improving efficiency within farmlands (achieving up to 55% water recovery). Automated gates and measurement systems are being installed throughout the irrigation network.
Targeted Regions
The program prioritizes irrigation districts near major urban centers facing water supply issues. These areas include Pabellón in Aguascalientes, the Valle del Mezquital in Hidalgo, Chihuahua’s regions close to Ciudad Juárez, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Morelia, Tamaulipas, La Laguna, Sonora, and Morelos. In some cases, like the Alto Río Lerma, projects are complemented by parallel acqueduct initiatives to supply cities such as León, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.
Current Status and Future Plans
Six projects are currently underway in Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes. Ten projects are in the bidding process, set to commence in the coming months. The plan includes over 70,000 million pesos in investments during the administration, with producer and state government participation through partnership schemes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “México se tecnifica” program? It’s a Mexican initiative modernizing agricultural irrigation infrastructure to recover water for human consumption.
- Why is this program significant? It’s unprecedented, focusing on recovering water for human use with no similar programs globally.
- Which regions will benefit from this program? The initiative prioritizes irrigation districts near major urban centers facing water supply issues, including Aguascalientes, Hidalgo, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, La Laguna, Sonora, and Morelos.
- What projects are currently underway? Six projects are ongoing in Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes. Ten more projects are in the bidding process.
- What investments does the program entail? The plan includes over 70,000 million pesos in investments during the administration, with producer and state government participation through partnership schemes.
