Agriculture facing cuts of up to 70% due to drought
A contingency plan to tackle the Algarve’s ongoing drought – which has been recognised as its “worst ever” – is due to be officially presented this month, with the region’s agricultural sector facing major cuts in water supply.
While TSF radio has reported that agriculture could see a cut of up to 70%, the vice-president of the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) has confirmed that the quotas have not yet been decided and will be coordinated with local stakeholders.
“This year we are experiencing the worst drought ever in the Algarve. We have never been in this situation, with the lowest reservoir and groundwater levels ever recorded, a consequence of ten years of continuous drought,” José Pimenta Machado told Lusa news agency.
“The priority use is for human consumption, and agriculture will face a greater cut,” added Pimenta Machado.
The vice-president of APA explained that the agency is consulting representatives from several sectors, from tourism to agriculture, and working with them to arrange the best course of action.
“The plan will be presented very soon,” he said, adding that it is “days away.”
By next week, a ministerial drought committee meeting will be held, after which the finalised plan is due to be presented in the region, “always with the main goal of ensuring that there is enough water for the population.”
Reports Lusa, the Algarve’s six reservoirs are at 25% of their capacity, 20 percentage points lower than the same period last year, with a total of 90 cubic hectometers less water.
As Pimenta Machado highlighted, the drought of 2005 in the Algarve led to the construction of the Odelouca dam, which left some thinking that the problem had been solved.
The truth, however, is that the region is still scrambling for solutions to its ongoing drought, some of which are already underway, backed by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
Chief among them is the construction of a desalination plant in Albufeira, which will transform sea water into fresh water. Other initiatives involve capturing water from the Guadiana River in Pomarão, setting up “portable desalination plants” and construction more wastewater treatment plants, particularly at golf courses, the vice-president of APA said.
“We want to reach the end of the PRR and reuse eight million cubic meters of water,” four times more than is currently reused, he said, serving a total of “16 to 17 golf courses.”
Pimenta Machado also called on citizens to save water, particularly in the Algarve, with “small acts” that can allow for a more “frugal” management of the public water supply.
Farmers predict “catastrophic situation”
Speaking to TSF, the president of the Irrigators Association of the Silves, Lagoa, and Portimão Irrigation Perimetre said that if it doesn’t start raining soon, the situation will be catastrophic.
“A 70% cut not only jeopardises production but also the survival of plants,” João Garcia said.
What is most concerning is that 90% of the production in this area consists of citrus orchards, which permanently need water. If it doesn’t rain soon, the livelihood of 1,800 farmers may be at stake, he warned.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
