RURAL DEVT

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The Tras-Os-Montes Rural Development Project represents a major first step in improving farm incomes and living conditions in the region of Tras-os-Montes, which is the poorest in Portugal. The project will support these objectives through: (i) the rehabilitation of 150 traditional irrigation schemes in the mountain and high valley zones; (ii) improvements to rainfed agriculture in the above irrigated areas, in the Planalto Mirandes and Terre Quente zones, and in the Douro vineyard zone; (iii) credit to farmers for on-farm investments to support the agricultural development in (i) and (ii); (iv) providing storage facilities and equipment to cooperatives, and for the construction of milking parlors; (v) strengthening of extension and research services in agriculture through additional staff, housing, vehicles, equipment, and technical assistance; (vi) rural infrastructure investments including rural roads and village streets, water supply and sewage disposal, the rehabilitation of about 60 primary school classrooms and other community development works; and (vii) investments in health centers.