Opposition Discusses Drought and Irrigation Issues with Experts

Bratislava, 6 November (TASR) - Opposition representatives held talks with experts on the issues of drought, the restoration of irrigation systems and water management, Christian Democrats (KDH) Vice-chair Marian Caucik told a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, adding that they do not agree with the government's actions in this area. Caucik referred to a planned major PPP project worth €500 million for irrigation involving a potential foreign investor. The opposition has also called on the government to say what exactly it will do in 2027, as the measures announced so far are merely plans that could remain on paper without getting anything done. "The government has announced a call for proposals worth €35 million, but when we discussed it with farmers from the participating associations, they said that they had no chance of accessing it because the criteria are set in such a way that only those who have dealt with hydrotechnical melioration systems in the past can go for it," said Caucik. According to him, the rental price that is set to rise from €3-5 to €42 per hectare is another problem, potentially putting many farmers out of business. Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) MP Tamara Stohlova described drought as one of the most important priorities in the context of deepening climate change, adding that comprehensive and coordinated solutions are needed, as this is a major challenge. "We cannot address drought and the related solutions in a piecemeal way; measures cannot be isolated. We need a comprehensive and unified approach to water regime management and water retention. Irrigation is clearly necessary, but building irrigation systems won't help if there's no water available," she warned. In October, the National Commission for Water and Drought approved the Implementation Atlas of Priorities for 2026–2030, with the state thus moving from planning to specific measures designed to help tackle drought, water scarcity and the protection of water resources. According to the Government Office, it will primarily focus on the restoration of irrigation systems, water retention in the landscape, the protection of drinking water sources and the modernisation of water management infrastructure. As of 1 November 2026, work was supposed to begin on drawing up specific projects, with priority given to measures that are ready for implementation and can deliver initial results as early as 2027. "Water availability is crucial for agriculture. We must focus on the restoration of irrigation systems and measures that will help retain water in the landscape and ensure its availability even during periods of drought. It's important that the agreed priorities are translated into specific projects as soon as possible," Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) said in October. The first proposals for measures are expected at the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027. The aim is to gradually launch the prepared projects, remove obstacles to their implementation and regularly monitor the fulfilment of the set tasks. jrg