The drought currently affects 89% of the national territory.

According to a Sic Notícias news report, the Algarve’s citrus farmers anticipate a drop in production due to the prolonged drought.

The lack of rain is forcing them to water uninterruptedly, and fears that water won’t suffice until the end of the year are growing.

Night watering has become the norm, and not the exception, to face the second consecutive year of abnormal rainfall.

Citrus growers in the Algarve are still looking forward to some rain in May, but especially next autumn, to ease watering.

Without rain, around 70% of the 17,000 hectares of crops in the region will be dependent on underground water collection.

Government admits to taking stronger measures

The Government admits to limiting water consumption to face the drought in Portugal. But the environment minister guarantees that, in addition to decisions with immediate effect, he is also taking long-term measures.

One-third of the national territory – the districts of Setúbal, Évora, Beja and Faro – is in extreme or severe drought. In these regions, limits have already been established on water use for agriculture and human consumption. And, if the drought worsens, restrictions could be tightened.

The drought currently affects 89% of the national territory.