The local farmers and small holders association, (Regantes del Argos) have launched a publicity campaign to combat “misinformation” from those opposed to the new drop irrigation system in Calasparra.
Under the new proposal those farmers and small holders who want to modernize the irrigation systems can sign up, without prejudice, at the Association Offices in the Gran Via (on the second floor in the building that used to house the Consumer Office) before August 15.
If the proposal is accepted by the majority of members of the Association at a general meeting at the end of August only those who have signed up will have drop irrigation and only those will pay.
Anyone not interested in the new system will not sign up for it but will have a vote on the general proposal at the general meeting.
The Association stresses that there will be nil cost to those residents who do not sign up for the system.
The new drop irrigation system is supported by all three political parties in Calasparra and is widely considered the “only hope for the future of agriculture in Calasparra.” The Association says: “a vote for the new system, which will not cost those who don´t want it a cent, and is a vote for the future development of agriculture and employment in Calasparra.”
Calasparra is currently served by a network of irrigation canals with a rota system for water which dates back to the Arab occupation. It is considered wasteful, as a vast quantity of water simply flows back into the river, and is inefficient and expensive to maintain, because it involves flooding the land and the canals are in constant need of repair.
The rota system is open to widespread abuse as it largely depends on the goodwill of farmers at “the top of the line.” The Mayor of Calasparra once pointed to the current irrigation system as the main cause of disputes between neighbours in Calasparra.
According to agricultural technicians commercial agriculture in Calasparra is virtually imposible, unless the landowner build their own reservoir, due to the unpredictability of the irrigation water supply.
The Association is appealing to all members to attend the meeting on August 31 in the Municipal Auditorium and vote in favor of the new system which will allow each individual resident to decide how to irrígate their own land and safeguard the future of agriculture in Calasparra.
