Farmers not connected to local irrigation systems will not be eligible to receive subsidies or other assistance from the government. This was announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea during a meeting with the heads of relevant regional directorates.

The subject emerged after Vasile Raru, head of the Cahul Agriculture Directorate, reported on the grape harvest. From discussions with vineyard owners, he found that the year was good both in terms of quantity and quality on vineyards connected to irrigation systems. The harvest is below predictions where there are no irrigation systems. “In Cucoara (village), a reservoir is to be built. Planted areas there are in a very bad condition, with 50-60% of them affected by drought”, said Vasile Raru.

Vladimir Bolea replied that in Cucoara there is a modern irrigation system installed with the support of the American people. He went on to add that no more subsidies will be offered for areas not connected to irrigation systems, where they are functional and where they have been rehabilitated by the state. “They must be connected to irrigation systems. Cucoara has six pumping stations, and they are top-notch, too. They are just sitting idle there,” the minister said.