The Olmos Project and the experience of the former irrigation and colonization San Lorenzo (Piura, 1965-1976)

Abstract

What is the rationale for the Peruvian Government's decision to sell to nationals and foreigners lots from 250 ha to 1,000 ha with a Base Price of US$ 4,250/ha? The largest lots of 1,000 ha are worth US$ 4,250,000 and the smallest of 250 ha is worth US$ 1,062,500. There is concern about the size of the lots and their price, which would prevent small and medium Peruvian farmers from accessing them. In total there are 51 lots with an area of 37,750 ha: 30 lots of 1,000 ha each; 10 lots of 500 ha each; and 11 lots of 250 ha each. The lot includes the property title and irrigation capacity, with a pressurized surface water allocation per lot: Average of 9,023 m3/ha gross/year or 10,400 m3/ha net/year.