TNR and ISA University Sign Deal to Modernize Agricultural Irrigation in the Dominican Republic
TNR and ISA University are teaming up to train technicians and fund projects that modernize irrigation for farming in the Dominican Republic.
Key points
- TNR and ISA University signed an agreement to strengthen training, research and sustainable practices in irrigation.
- The deal was signed by Claudio Caamaño Vélez, TNR director, and Edwin Reyes, ISA University rector.
- A new call from the Fotesir fund will allocate RD$7.5 million.
- Academic institutions can receive incentives covering up to 100% of project costs, capped at RD$2 million per initiative.
The Executive Directorate for National Irrigation Technification (TNR) and ISA University have signed an agreement to strengthen technical training, scientific research and sustainable practices in the country's irrigation systems. The accord was signed by Claudio Caamaño Vélez, TNR director, and Edwin Reyes, ISA University rector.
Caamaño Vélez explained that the two institutions have worked together for more than two years and have developed technical courses on irrigation systems. They now aim to expand that collaboration to strengthen professional training and contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector.
As part of the deal, TNR announced a new call for the Fund for the Promotion of Irrigation System Technification (Fotesir), within a special program with RD$7.5 million, equal to 5% of the funds allocated to Fotesir. The call will remain open until the amount is exhausted and is aimed at academic institutions in the agricultural sector and research institutions with current cooperation agreements with TNR. They may receive incentives covering up to 100% of the cost of modern irrigation projects, capped at RD$2 million per initiative. The TNR director said ISA University is among the institutions eligible to benefit.
For his part, ISA University rector Edwin Reyes thanked the partners and said the alliance will help prepare professionals able to meet the challenges facing Dominican agriculture, particularly climate change and national development goals toward 2036. He said the agreement is the result of about two years of talks and joint work.
Reyes argued that modernizing irrigation will help make better use of water, manage soils, optimize crop yields and raise the country's competitiveness. He considered it essential to train specialized technicians who combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
The agreement includes talks, workshops, seminars, conferences and training days on good agricultural practices, irrigation system management, and the design, installation and operation of efficient technologies. TNR will provide technical assistance and specialized training, while ISA University will develop academic content, provide facilities and issue certifications to those who complete the programs. Both entities will also promote applied research on crop water needs, irrigation systems, sustainable technologies and energy innovation, as well as degree projects and specialized publications on water management.
Why it matters
Better irrigation aims to make water use more efficient, improve crop yields and strengthen the competitiveness of Dominican agriculture as climate change grows.