With an investment of 30 million euros, the Generalitat will expand irrigation in Les Garrigues, benefiting 935 agricultural operations. The works will begin in 2027 and will connect an additional 2,100 hectares.
The Generalitat of Catalonia has announced an investment of around 30 million euros for the expansion of the Segarra-Garrigues irrigation system, a project that promises to revitalise agriculture in the region. This initiative will allow 2,100 new hectares to be integrated into the irrigation system, benefiting 935 agricultural operations located in various municipalities such as Cogul, Granyena de les Garrigues, and Aspa. The works are scheduled to commence in mid-2027, marking a significant milestone in local agricultural development.
The Director General of Irrigation and Agricultural Spaces, Xavier Gispert, explained that although the total irrigable area exceeds 3,000 hectares, only the 2,100 hectares that have formalised their adhesion to the system will be activated in this initial phase. Currently, around 24,000 hectares are already adhered to the agreement with the Community of Irrigators, but only about 15,000 hectares are being effectively irrigated because some owners have yet to make the necessary investments.
Gispert emphasised that this investment is part of the Irrigation Strategy 2025-2040, which aims to modernise or transform a total of 181,000 hectares. “We are implementing a more efficient model that adapts to climate change and makes our operations more profitable,” he stated.
The economic and demographic impact of the new irrigation is notable; according to Gispert, “Les Garrigues has been facing demographic and economic decline for years.” The implementation of modern irrigation is helping to reverse this trend by fostering population retention and stimulating local economic development.
Enric Ortega, General Director of Aigües Segarra-Garrigues (ASG), added that the new works will include a pumping station designed to optimise energy use and improve the quality of water available for irrigation. “We are aware of the high energy costs associated with irrigation and are working to minimise this consumption,” Ortega highlighted.
Additionally, ASG has developed an innovative tool based on artificial intelligence that will recommend optimal irrigation practices tailored to each agricultural plot. This aims not only to save water but also energy, adjusting irrigation to real needs based on satellite data on soil moisture status.
The President of the General Community of Irrigators of the Segarra-Garrigues Canal, Josep Maria Jové, explained that the works only begin when at least 60% of adhesions among the affected owners are reached. Each farmer must contribute approximately 3,100 euros per hectare, in addition to making further investments to install systems within their farms.
Jové emphasised the importance of irrigation as a viable solution to ensure the agricultural future in dry areas like Les Garrigues: “The only viable way is to attract the population towards irrigation.” Regarding the water supply needed for these agricultural operations, the Albagés reservoir is currently filling with about 56 cubic hectometres of water available.
This project not only represents a significant improvement for local farmers but also a crucial opportunity to revitalise an entire region historically affected by economic and demographic problems. With these initiatives, a more sustainable future is expected to be guaranteed both environmentally and socially.
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