Tuesday May 6th, 2025

Irrigation has played a key role in transforming fruit farming in the Northeast, especially in regions such as the São Francisco Valley. The adoption of modern systems, such as drip irrigation, has allowed crops such as grapes, mangoes and melons to thrive even in adverse weather conditions.

In 2025, irrigated fruit farming in the Brazilian Northeast registered significant growth, already in the first months of the year. According to data from the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (Abrafrutas), Brazilian fruit exports reached the figure of 293 thousand tons, an increase of 24% compared to the same period of the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to the efficiency of irrigation systems, which ensure an adequate supply of water and nutrients to plants, resulting in high-quality, export-standard fruit.

Drip irrigation, in particular, has stood out for its ability to deliver water and nutrients directly to plant roots, reducing waste and minimizing the occurrence of diseases. In addition to the agronomic benefits, the expansion of irrigation has generated positive socioeconomic impacts. Last year, public irrigation projects maintained by the São Francisco and Parnaíba Valleys Development Company (Codevasf) reached a gross production value of R$8.15 billion, representing a 43% increase over the previous year. These projects were also responsible for the generation of 356,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.

It is estimated that the region has the capacity to irrigate up to 3.3 million hectares, which could multiply agricultural production without the need for deforestation, using areas already designated for agriculture. This perspective reinforces the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure and irrigation technologies to sustain the growth of fruit farming in the region.