El consejo completará la ayuda al campo de Dana con otros donde es necesario después de las últimas lluvias.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Development and Rural Affairs of Andalusia, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, stated on Sunday that the board of directors will «complete» the planned aid in the land of Danas with additional support «where necessary» as a result of the damages caused by the recent March rains in the region.

«It is true that Dana in October and November has already caused considerable damage. The Andalusian Government has implemented mechanisms to provide assistance, both to the affected municipalities and farmers. It is necessary and crucial for the sector,» stated the Minister regarding the aid required during those months.

He mentioned that currently, the ministry’s team, regional agricultural offices, and territorial delegations are assessing the rural roads that have been affected by the storms, along with many agricultural farms. Some may enter these areas for the first time this weekend after the rains to conduct assessments.

Considering the impact of the storms, Fernández-Pacheco highlighted that the rainfall was beneficial for crops as it occurred at an optimal time for agriculture and animals. He emphasized the significant recovery of pastures across the region and its positive impact on water availability for agriculture.

The Minister also referred to the upcoming drought committee meetings next week, where the forecast for irrigation facilities post-rains will be discussed. He mentioned that the situation must improve for both irrigators and water supply. While he refrained from predicting the outcome, he believed that restrictions would likely increase in areas where they are already partially in place.

When asked about the local council’s request for mitigation of water consumption restrictions, Fernández-Pacheco deemed it «logical and normal» given that nobody likes to face limitations. He acknowledged the severity of restrictions in the Campo de Gibraltar due to drought concerns but noted a significant turnaround in the region following recent rainfall, which is expected to positively impact the municipalities and agricultural sector.

Addressing the unequal tank storage levels, the Minister pointed out that in Almeria, they have only reached 10%, while in Sevilla, they are close to 100%, and in Huelva, the reservoirs are at eighty percent of their capacity.

Regarding a long-term solution to this structural inequality, Fernández-Pacheco stressed that water policy should focus on good planning and constant investment in hydraulic infrastructure. He emphasized that the approach to resolving the issue would vary depending on the region’s specific needs and conditions, whether it involves enhancing water storage capacity, improving networks to prevent water loss, or optimizing water resources based on rainfall patterns.

FUENTE