Mexico’s Water-Saving Farm Tech Deal

El Naranjo, Morelos — The National Water Commission (Conagua) and Grupo Rotoplas, led by Carlos Rojas Aboumrad, have formalized a collaboration to implement technified irrigation systems in the community of El Naranjo, Morelos. This project, with an investment of 1 million pesos, aims to optimize water use in agricultural zones, a key measure for confronting the country's water challenges.

The agreement falls within the National Program for Irrigation Technification "México se Tecnifica," aligned with the National Water Plan 2024–2030 promoted by the Federal Government. This program seeks to modernize Mexican agriculture through the adoption of technologies that increase water efficiency and farm productivity.

The director general of Rotoplas highlighted that more than 70 percent of the water in Mexico is allocated to agriculture, which makes irrigation technification a key tool for increasing food production without increasing water consumption. The project includes the installation of state-of-the-art irrigation systems that maximize the use of water resources and reduce waste.

The effort between Conagua and Rotoplas seeks to strengthen both the country's water and food security, promoting more sustainable agriculture. This model not only aims to improve farm productivity but also to guarantee a more efficient use of water, an increasingly limited resource.

Aguakan: Tensions Over Water

Speaking on the topic of water, in Quintana Roo, the Potable Water and Sewer Commission (CAPA) is seeking to collect a tax credit of more than 3.75 billion pesos from the concession holder Aguakan, directed by Paul Rangel, corresponding to the 2019 fiscal year.

This figure represents more than 50 percent of the concession holder's annual income, placing the company in a delicate situation. Aguakan has responded by qualifying the calculation as arbitrary, assuring that it falls outside the concession framework and was determined unilaterally by CAPA. Furthermore, the company points out that courts have ruled at least twice that CAPA lacks the authority to issue this type of tax credit.

The conflict underscores the tensions between private companies and public organizations surrounding the management of essential services. Meanwhile, Aguakan reports an investment of 350 million pesos in infrastructure this year, destined to guarantee the supply of potable water and sanitation in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos.

For the concession holder, this type of conflict sends a worrying message for private investment, in a context where business participation is key for the provision of basic services. The state government, headed by Mara Lezama, faces a challenge in balancing the relationship between public and private interests, especially in a state whose economy depends greatly on the sustainability of its water resources.

Reconstruction Underway

Two years after Hurricanes Otis and John, Acapulco is beginning its reconstruction through the Integral Tourism Development Program, in alliance with Grupo Hycsa, led by Ramón Casanova. The project includes the rehabilitation of the historic center, the boardwalk, and the Jardín del Puerto, with the objective of recovering public spaces and revitalizing tourism.

The first stage contemplates cultural, recreational, and community spaces for inhabitants and visitors. In 2026, the second phase will begin where the construction company must extend the boardwalk to 1.2 kilometers and add attractions such as an interactive museum, a water park, and the rehabilitation of the passenger and cruise terminal, consolidating Acapulco as an innovative and cutting-edge destination.

The reconstruction will also integrate sustainability, with policies of inclusion, respect for human rights, and reduction of carbon footprint, reinforcing Grupo Hycsa's social and environmental commitment.

Cobre Appoints New CPO

The corporate payments platform, Cobre, led by José Gedeón, has named Gustavo Oliva as Chief People Officer in Mexico. Oliva will drive talent and culture at the company, which currently processes 2.5 million monthly operations in Latin America.