Water Shortage in Brescia Puts Second Crop at Risk for Farmers

Water shortages combined with high temperatures are putting pressure on farming businesses in Brescia, with the situation particularly critical in the Sebino and Eridio areas. According to Oscar Scalmana, president of Confagricoltura Brescia, without a change in conditions, water reserves earmarked for agriculture may not be enough to see the growing season through.

In recent days, many companies have been considering whether to skip the second harvest, typically scheduled for early July. Confagricoltura reports problems affecting maize, fodder, vegetables, orchards, vineyards and olive groves, with additional impacts on livestock due to heat stress and rising costs. Among the proposals, Scalmana calls for tighter management of large reservoirs with coordinated winter releases (the transfer of water management to the agricultural sector is due on April 1), faster permitting for new wells, a “special water plan,” and incentives for more efficient irrigation systems such as pivot and drip irrigation.
Italian Version