The Federal Government of Brazil, through the Ministry of Regional Development (MDR), has announced the release of the concession notice for stages 3-9 of the Baixio irrigation project in Bahia. 

The irrigation project will be the largest one in Latin America. It pioneers a new model for the promotion and expansion of public projects in irrigated agriculture. Starting in November 2021, the MDR will promote a series of virtual meetings with potential parties interested in the concession to present the details and attractions of the initiative.

The auction should take place in February 2022. The estimated investment is around BRL1.1 billion (US$195.4 million) over the 35 years of the contract. The concession will benefit approximately 250,000 people, with the full use of the area and the production of various crops, such as grains, fruits and vegetables. The project is expected to generate 180,000 direct and indirect jobs.