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Irrigation Program Well Supported Despite Tough SeasonsMacalister Irrigation District farmers have continued to strive for greater irrigation efficiency on their farms over the past six months, despite the tough financial circumstances experienced by the dairy industry. By Department of Primary Industries - 29th March 2007 - Back to News This is highlighted by the fact that irrigation farm plans were completed on more than 1,000 hectares, bringing the total planned area to 24,400 hectares. This impressive investment in planning demonstrates the farming community’s commitment to both the future and to ensuring that Gippsland retains its reputation for a healthy environment.
In addition, farmers have installed more efficient spray irrigation on 270 hectares and re-use systems on 1090 hectares during the same period. Since funding commenced in July 2000, this means that at least 2,260 hectares has been converted from flood to spray irrigation in the district and at least 5,330 hectares of flood irrigation has been upgraded so that it drains to a re-use system.
Efficient irrigation reduces water-use, increases production, improves product quality and reduces the off-site impacts of irrigation such as salinity and nutrient loss. This is a major win for both the farmers and for the environment.
This excellent result was achieved with the financial support of the Victorian State Government’s Water Smart Farms Initiative and Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Actions Plan that co-invested with farmers to stimulate a change to more sustainable and productive irrigation practices.
Funding will continue to be available during the coming year to assist farmers with farm planning and to upgrade their irrigation layouts to achieve greater water-use efficiency. Contact Ken Slee, Chris Kooloos or Gavan Lamb at the Department of Primary Industries at Maffra for further information.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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