Paraná, Brazil, has launched a collaborative water resource management project, 'Irriga SIM,' in its northwest region, focusing on the Guarani Aquifer's potential for sustainable crop irrigation. The project was unveiled in Maringá, uniting state officials, local leaders, and representatives from the Daugherty Water For Food Global Institute (WFF) of Nebraska, USA.
The initiative, managed by Simepar using its climate database, is funded by the Araucária Foundation and the State Department of Agriculture and Supply (Seab). With an initial 48-month duration, it aims to adapt technologies from Nebraska to Paraná's context, addressing sandy soils and promoting sustainable water use.
A cooperation agreement between WFF and the Araucária Foundation will foster scientific collaboration. This partnership, stemming from a prior agreement signed in February 2024, includes exchanging scientific information, organizing missions, and supporting research. The Irriga SIM project seeks to enhance irrigation practices, ensuring the preservation of the Guarani Aquifer, a vital water source for the region.
The project aligns with the 'Irriga Paraná' program, aiming to increase the state's irrigated area by 20% and mitigate drought effects, particularly in the Northwest region. By promoting efficient and sustainable water use, this collaboration contributes to the region's agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.