The São Francisco and Parnaíba Valley Development Company (Codevasf) reported a Gross Production Value (VBP) of approximately $1.55 billion for its irrigation projects in the São Francisco Valley in 2024, reflecting a 43% increase from the prior year. Initiated in the 1970s, these projects span 39 active sites across Minas Gerais, Bahia, Pernambuco, Sergipe, and Alagoas, generating around 356,000 jobs.
Codevasf's CEO, Marcelo Moreira, notes that "Irrigated agriculture projects generate employment and income, increase food supply and promote the reduction of regional inequalities." The projects produced 4.42 million tons in 2024, with fruit cultivation being prominent, covering 125,000 hectares. The state of Pernambuco leads in gross production value with approximately $912 million, followed by Bahia, Minas Gerais, Sergipe, and Alagoas.
Among the projects, the Itaparica System, developed by the São Francisco Hydroelectric Company (Chesf) in the 1990s, achieved a production value of approximately $95.7 million in 2024. Codevasf is also exploring five new irrigation projects in Minas Gerais, Bahia, Pernambuco, and Alagoas under the Federal Government's Investment Partnerships Program (PPI). The Jequitaí Hydro-Agricultural Project in Minas Gerais is one such initiative, adding 10,000 hectares for irrigation and other uses.
With the new projects, Codevasf's irrigated area is projected to double, reaching about 250,000 hectares, potentially creating an additional 338,000 jobs. These developments underscore Codevasf's role in regional development and job creation.
Source: Abrafrutas