AM: farmers are being helped against drought with free water fees, water retention and irrigation modernization

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The minister drew attention on his social media page that this year could be the hottest summer in Europe. The government has therefore declared a state of drought and formed the Drought Protection Operational Team. The state will also assume the water service fee of farmers this year, for which they will spend almost 10 billion forints – he added. According to István Nagy, on the other hand, it is outrageous to see that the Tisza Party would make farmers pay for the water fee in this difficult situation. The European Parliament’s report on the water strategy was voted on, which places greater burdens on agricultural producers. “We do not support this, and in fact, we are helping agricultural players with numerous measures in response to extreme weather,” the minister said. He explained that 4.7 billion forints have been allocated for filling reservoirs, backwaters and canals. Eight water management directorates are carrying out backwater filling at a total of 58 locations in their operational areas. In addition, they are also dredging a total of 855 river kilometers in 109 watercourse sections.

The minister highlighted that irrigation is a public interest, the basis of a secure food supply

Therefore, more than 1,300 producer water management projects have been supported within the framework of the Rural Development Programme for a total of 178 billion. There is no stopping here: through two tenders, another almost 66 billion forints will be allocated to this area. The irrigated areas have been doubled so far, but we will not stop until we reach 350 thousand hectares – said the Minister. The Minister mentioned that the water supply of the Homokhátság must also be resolved, and 67 billion forints will be spent for this purpose through 4 projects. These constructions will start this year. Every drop of water has its place, farmers can count on us in everything in the fight against drought – István Nagy underlined, according to the statement.

MTI