Lima, November 18 (NNN-ANDINA-RHC) -- The Olmos massive Irrigation Project entry into operation will increase agricultural exports by $1 billion in the next few years, forecasts Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Juan Manuel Benites.

The project tops $ 222 million investment and will provide irrigation and electricity for the northern regions of Lambayeque, Piura and Cajamarca. It will be inaugurated on Tuesday November 18 this year as water intake will start irrigating 38,000 crop hectares, plus the already existing 5,500.

The irrigation plan will strengthen the economy of the country's northern regions, said Benites.

“Pieces of land have already been sold. Avocados, quinoa, sugar cane, among other crops will be sown. The Project will be a boom,” the minister stated.

According to Benites, the Olmos will enable to create 40,000 related jobs as some other 200,000 will be indirect.