Irrigation water price hiked by 300%, farmers ready to protest

An urgent option is being sought to compensate farmers for the sharp rise in the irrigation water prices since the beginning of March, which is by nearly 300%, the agriculture ministry said on March 10.

Thus, the farmers' protest scheduled for today was postponed in anticipation of the problem being resolved, but they remain on protest readiness.

From March 1, Irrigation Systems sharply raised the prices of water for pump irrigation - from 17% to 300%.

The state-owned company explained the increase by higher electricity prices for the pumps, repairs and higher wages.

Alexander Mindachkin is a grain farmer from the village of Ivaylo, Pazardzhik region. He grows 14,000 acres of maize and wheat. He claims that the more expensive water has completely messed up his plans and now he will have to pay 25 000 BGN more.

"I grow maize. The increase is the price of water for the production of maize is highest, less for rice and average for vegetables. We have the assurance that this order regulating the new water prices will be revoked and we will negotiate for a lower water price. We wait to see," the producer said.

Mindachkin claims that in Romania water for irrigation is free-of-charge.

Strawberry and raspberry growers in Bulgaria are also affected. While last year water for irrigation per decare was between 80 and 120 BGN, now it is between 700 and 800 BGN.

At a meeting between farmers and irrigation systems, an agreement was reached to look for an option where farms could be helped.

"We will find a way to compensate the farmers for this year because of the expensive irrigation water, and we will cover the difference in the price of irrigation water this year compared to last year.

The Agriculture Ministry is preparing an analysis based on which it should calculate what resources are needed for the compensation.