In the Axarquía region of Malaga, Spain, the agricultural sector, specializing in subtropical crops like mango and avocado, is facing challenges with water supply and costs. The region, with an estimated 14,000 hectares of these crops, has traditionally relied on water from the La Viñuela reservoir and recycled water from local treatment plants. However, access to reservoir water has been restricted, and the cost of recycled water has significantly increased.
Recent rains have temporarily alleviated water supply concerns, allowing for a limited allocation of water until late September. Despite this, the cost of water for agricultural use has surged, with farmers reporting up to a sevenfold increase. The high cost is attributed to the expenses associated with pumping and treating recycled water, a burden that falls on the agricultural communities.
Leopoldo López, a local farmer, highlighted the financial strain on growers, pointing out the disparity between the costs of reservoir and recycled water and calling for administrative support. The Junta de Andalucía's requirement for weekly water analysis further adds to the expenses. López advocates for a model similar to Murcia's, where the cost of recycled water is not passed onto farmers.
The region's farmers are seeking assistance from the Andalusian authorities for better access to treated water, proposing a pipeline project to connect more areas to treatment plants. This initiative aims to ensure a more sustainable water supply for agriculture in Axarquía.
Source: surinenglish.com