It is a discussion we have every year in Barbados and although it is a couple months earlier than is the norm, it will be a discussion item in traditional media, rum shops, social media, anywhere people congregate.
The ‘wet season’ and the adage learned at primary school “June, too soon; July, stand by; August, come they must; September, remember; October, all over”. Thousands of gallons of rainwater will runoff into the sea followed by the government in office issuing a water prohibition because our reservoirs are critically low.
Every year we are subjected to the mouthings of talking heads from government and the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) promising solutions to alleviate water shortages which never materializes. Instead we continue full steam with concrete development whether private or commercial which add to demand on water resources on an island classified as water scarce.
Have a read of this article from Australia. This is something that we urgently need to implement in Barbados if we’re to make any progress in vegetable farming. We could be capturing water from a simple shed roof and storing in tanks for irrigation. Simple as that.
Bentley – BU family member
An irony is that our farmers are encouraged to grow food but have to cry out about not having access to adequate water supply irrigation – and when there is water complain further about the cost of the water. The biggest irony is that the majority of car valet services, if not all, use potable water to ensure the over one hundred thousand vehicles on the roads are kept clean.
The article shared by Bentley addresses how South Australia – a geography that experiences arid conditions – is working to store water to satisfy agriculture demand.
The Importance of Water Storage and Conservation for Irrigation in Agriculture and Horticulture in South Australia
Water is an essential resource for agricultural and horticultural practices around the world. Adelaide, South Australia, is no exception, as it is an area with a dry climate and limited water resources. In recent years, water storage and conservation have become increasingly important in Adelaide’s agricultural and horticultural industries to ensure sustainable irrigation practices.
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops or plants to promote their growth and yield. In agriculture and horticulture, irrigation is essential to produce healthy and high-quality crops, particularly in regions with low rainfall or limited water resources. In Adelaide, the Mediterranean climate, which is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, means that water is a scarce resource during the growing season. Therefore, efficient irrigation practices are critical for the agricultural and horticultural sectors to thrive.
Water storage and conservation are key components of sustainable irrigation practices in Adelaide. Water storage involves capturing and storing rainwater or surface water in dams or tanks to be used later for irrigation. Water conservation, on the other hand, involves reducing water usage through measures such as drip irrigation or water-efficient practices.
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