The Government of Mexico, through the National Water Commission (Conagua), has announced progress on the National Irrigation Technology Program, which aims to modernize more than 200,000 hectares of agricultural land. The program, with an investment of 51.8 billion pesos (approximately US$2.6 billion), is expected to benefit at least 225,000 agricultural producers across 13 irrigation districts.
President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that the program will promote greater productivity in agriculture and a more efficient use of water resources. "That is to say, that more production can be achieved with less water, and 2.8 billion cubic meters, which represents three times what Mexico City consumes, will be allocated for human consumption. We are going to take irrigation water and give it to the people, where water is needed," she said.
Sheinbaum also emphasized that the program's implementation involves dialogue with agricultural producers to facilitate the modernization of irrigation systems.
Efraín Morales López, Head of the National Water Commission Conagua, stressed the significance of the initiative, noting that 76% of water consumption in Mexico is used for agriculture. He explained that with the adoption of new technologies, it will be possible to save up to 50% of water consumption, allowing more food production with less water. According to Morales, the initiative seeks to identify alternatives to improve water efficiency both in productive processes and social consumption.
The program, with an investment of 51.8 billion pesos (approximately US$2.6 billion), is expected to benefit at least 225,000 agricultural producers across 13 irrigation districts
Aarón Mastache, Deputy Director General of hydro-agricultural infrastructure at Conagua, stated that the infrastructure improvements will focus on 13 irrigation districts near urban areas facing water scarcity. The water saved through modernization will be redirected to support the human right to water in these urban centers.
In addition to work in these districts, the program includes the modernization of 50,730 irrigation units and 73 irrigation districts overall. In 2025, over 5.2 billion pesos will be allocated to the program, with 4.62 billion pesos coming from federal resources and the remainder provided by states and users. Over the course of the current administration, more than 51.8 billion pesos are expected to be invested, with contributions from federal, state, and user funds.
Currently, agreements have been signed with 10 of the 13 priority districts, with agreements for two districts in Chihuahua and one in Mexicali, Baja California, expected to be finalized soon.
Key projects by region:
- Hidalgo: Modernization work will take place in three districts: 003 Tula, 100 Alfajayucan, and 112 Ajacuba. Combined investments exceed 11.5 billion pesos to modernize more than 32,000 hectares and benefit around 68,000 users.
- Sinaloa: Districts 075 Río Fuerte and 010 Culiacán-Humaya will receive investments totaling over 13.5 billion pesos, covering more than 70,000 hectares and supporting over 45,500 users.
- Morelos: District 016 Estado de Morelos will receive 1.17 billion pesos to modernize 2,321 hectares for nearly 10,000 users.
- Aguascalientes: In district 001 El Pabellón, a 452 million peso investment will complete modernization efforts over 1,900 hectares.
- Tamaulipas: District 026 Bajo Río San Juan will benefit from an investment of more than 4.13 billion pesos to upgrade 6,200 hectares.
- Guanajuato: District 011 Alto Río Lerma will receive 6.41 billion pesos to modernize 10,207 hectares and improve water availability for the population of the state capital.
- Coahuila-Durango (La Laguna region): District 017 will see a 9.88 billion peso investment to modernize 29,405 hectares, supporting efforts under the "Agua Saludable para La Laguna" project.
- Chihuahua: Districts 009 Valle de Juárez and 005 Delicias will collectively receive around 1.8 billion pesos to modernize 10,000 hectares.
Additional resources totalling 1.65 billion pesos will be allocated in 2025 for modernization in other irrigation districts, individual irrigation units, and temporary irrigation districts.
According to Conagua, the National Irrigation Technology Program represents a major step toward ensuring sustainable agricultural production and securing water supplies for both current and future generations. The program is also intended to support aquifer recharge and enhance the availability of water for human consumption.
