The Revitalization Program for the Sub-Basins of the São Francisco River continues to operate in several cities in Minas Gerais. This year, approximately R$1,82 million was invested in seven municipalities in the Alto Paraíba region, building 2460 small dams, 175 kilometers of terraces, and environmentally adapting more than 12 kilometers of rural roads. The goal of the initiative is to prevent problems caused by rain and contribute to the environment.
According to the Minas Gerais government, the goal of the program is to use rainwater that would otherwise cause soil erosion. This year, the dams were built in the cities of Campos Altos, São Gotardo, Glaucilândia, Engenheiro Navarro, Jequitaí, Tiros and Varjão de Minas. Since the program began in 2008, 148 cities in Minas Gerais have benefited. Approximately R$32 million was invested in the project, with a 10% contribution from the state government. “The program is part of the State Government’s Multi-Year Action Plan (PPAG) and is the result of a partnership between the Government of Minas Gerais, through the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa) and the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Minas Gerais (Emater–MG), and the Ministry of National Integration, through the Development Company of the São Francisco and Parnaíba Valleys (Codevasf)”, explains the superintendent of Agricultural Development at Seapa, João Denilson Oliveira.
The State Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (Seapa) explains that the program has environmental benefits, contributing to the revitalization of the Velho Chico River, and also assisting in the sustainable development of the regions, especially in relation to agriculture. “These interventions promote the infiltration of water into the soil with the consequent improvement in the quality and quantity of water in the sub-basins, contributing to the maintenance of the flow in the streams and rivers, in addition to guaranteeing human supply, the supply of water for animals and the maintenance of small crops throughout almost the entire year. With the arrival of the rainy season, the delivery of the actions will ensure the collection of water in a timely manner”, details Roberth Rodrigues e Silva, director of Sustainable Rural Development at Seapa.
Roberth states that the program develops fundamental actions not only for the revitalization of the 'Velho Chico' but also for the sustainable rural development of the region where the dams are implemented. Seapa explains that the dams are small drainage ditches dug in the ground. The objective is to retain rainwater, recharging the water table and preventing erosion. “Water and fertile soil are some of the main conditions for the development of sustainable agriculture, ensuring the production of quality food and income generation in the countryside,” concludes Roberth.
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