Start of a New Water Pipeline
The Baix Priorat Irrigation Community, which covers seven municipalities in the Priorat and Ribera d’Ebre counties, has launched a crucial project for its survival. This Monday, work began on a pipeline that will connect the Ebro River to the Guiamets reservoir, a vital infrastructure for irrigation. The work, which is expected to be completed in May, is a direct response to the severe drought affecting the area.
Impact of the Sequera on Local Agriculture
The drought has left a deep mark on the farming community. Miquel Escoda, president of the irrigators, has stated that they have had to remove cherry and almond trees to deal with the lack of water, and that the situation could worsen with the possible removal of vines. The Generalitat provided a package of aid in December, but Escoda considers that they are insufficient to guarantee a sustainable future for the sector.
Details of the Works and Their Financing
The works, financed with a budget of 5.7 million euros by the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE), include the condition of a property adjacent to the river, where the water collection system will be installed. This water will undergo a first filtration before being stored in a pond, from where it will be pumped to the irrigation network.
Filtering and Distribution Processes
The water supply is estimated at around 1 cubic hectometre per year. Before introducing the water into the reservoir, the CHE will have to carry out works to seal it, as it currently has leaks. Escoda highlights that this new safe water supply is essential to ensure the continuity of agricultural activity.
Future Prospects for Farmers
The start of the works has been greeted with optimism, as it will allow farmers to irrigate the 1,400 hectares of crops during drought years. If the deadlines are met, farmers will be able to use the water during the irrigation campaign, essential to save crops in a year with little rainfall.
Economic Consequences of the Drought
The drought in 2023 caused a turnover loss of 29 million euros, and the forecasts for 2024 are not encouraging. Many farms will have to start the replanting process, which may result in a prolonged period without production. Most cherry trees will have to be uprooted, and vineyards have been severely affected.
The Need for Additional Aid
Escoda has asked the administrations for more financial support, highlighting that the aid received so far is insufficient compared to the losses in the sector. The Generalitat activated an aid package in December, but the magnitude of the current crisis requires a more forceful response to preserve local farming.