The 2016 Public Budget proposal sets aside S/.1.498 billion (about US$447.16 million) to boost the productive diversification strategy across the country prioritizing funds to ensure the best use of water resources.
If approved, S/.1.00 billion (about US$290 million) will be assigned for irrigation-infrastructure projects development and training of agricultural producers aimed to increase productivity.
According to Agriculture Minister Juan Manuel Benites, the said plans enabled 860,000 people –employed in the sector- to leave poverty behind between 2012 and 2014.
It is the result of "positive impacts" generated in recent years thanks to agriculture and irrigation programs, he noted.
In this sense, he reminded irrigation infrastructure projects valued at S/.821 million (about US$245 million) were executed at heights of over 1,000 meters above sea level.
Markets
On the other hand, the budget —expected to enter into force in the upcoming fiscal year— allocates S/.314 million (about US$93.73 million) for articulating small producers into the market.
In this sense, resources are aimed to boost new technologies and production methods in agricultural organizations.
The goal is to facilitate access to financial and market-information services.
(END) SDD/JJN/MVB