Farmers are being helped against drought with free water fees, water retention and irrigation modernization

(Photo: drnagyistvan.hu)

The Minister drew attention to the fact 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 conditions, the minister emphasized.

4.7 billion forints 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 area. They are also dredging a total of 855 river kilometers in 109 watercourse sections. Irrigation is a public interest, the basis of a secure food supply. Therefore, within the framework of the Rural Development Program, we have supported a total of more than 1,300 producer water management projects, totaling 178 billion. We are not stopping here: we are spending another almost 66 billion forints in this area through two tenders. We have doubled the irrigated areas so far, but we will not stop until we reach 350 thousand hectares – the minister listed. The minister also mentioned that we also need to solve the water supply of the Homokhátság, and for this purpose we are spending 67 billion forints 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.

AM