IrrigationNZ calls for 350,000 ha more land to be irrigated by 2025, lifting total by 50%

IrrigationNZ calls for 350,000 ha more land to be irrigated by 2025, lifting total by 50%
Sophie Boot
By Sophie Boot Nov. 5 (BusinessDesk) - IrrigationNZ is calling for a dramatic escalation in irrigation, saying New Zealand could bring water to an additional 350,000 hectares by 2025, boosting agricultural production and providing a buffer against weather events such as El Nino-induced drought. The lobby group wants a 50 percent increase in irrigated land in the next 10 years, according to its industry snapshot released today. New Zealand currently has about 720,000 hectares of irrigated land, and IrrigationNZ has produced a map showing w...