site.btaMinisters of Agriculture, Energy, Environment Reach Consensus on Water for Irrigation in July

Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov held a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Agrarian Chamber (BAC) here on Tuesday, the Agriculture Ministry said in a press release. Also attending were Environment and Water Minister Manol Genov, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, deputy ministers, the management of Irrigation Systems, Electricity System Operator, National Electricity Company, and experts.

The meeting was a continuation of discussions held with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. The participants reached a consensus on the quantities of water needed for irrigation in July.

The three ministers were in favour of finding a golden ratio between the water needs of agriculture, households and ensuring smooth functioning of the electricity transmission system. 

The Batak, Pyasachnik, and Belmeken dams were among the topics discussed, with a decision expected to benefit farmers, citizens, and businesses alike. "I thank my fellow ministers for coming with their teams. We are working very constructively and operationally. The aim of the meetings is to find the golden ratio and to allocate the possible amounts of water - for irrigation, for energy and for drinking," said the Minister of Agriculture.

Tahov ordered an urgent inspection of the regional branches of Irrigation Systems. The water quantity in the dams will be checked as well as the technical condition of the equalizers, irrigation and drainage canals and other hydro-meliorative and hydro-technical facilities. For the next four years, funds amounting to BGN 1.5 billion have been earmarked for the renovation of the infrastructure of Irrigation Systems. The Ministry of Agriculture, as the company's principal, will ensure that the funds are spent appropriately in order to ensure the irrigation season.