IRRIGATING THE PLAINS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22509, 17 September 1938, Page 24

IRRIGATING THE PLAINS

WATER FOR 100,000

ACRES

SECURITY AGAINST

DROUGHTS

FARMERS SHOAVING GREATER

INTEREST IN SCHEMES

When existing constructional works are completed in Mid-Can-terbury and South Canterbury, a total of more than 100,000 acres of land of good quality will be available for irrigation. Schemes already completed will allow the irrigating of 18,000 acres, and actually 3100 acres on these areas have been under irrigation. When completed the several schemes will give water to areas extending from Redcliff, on the Waitaki river, in Otago, to the Hinds river in the north.

It is not expected that all the 100,000 acres will come under irrigation with the completion of the schemes, but from the interest being taken in irrigation and the development of the schemes under construction, it is believed by many associated with them that ultimately the great majority of the farmers in the area will have some portion of their land under permanent irrigation. Already 44 farmers have become permanent irrigators, using the water when the conditions demand it, their operations covering an area of 2000 acres- in the Redcliff district and 1100 in the Levels County. This season, if the weather is dry enough to warrant irrigation, it appears that these figures will be greatly increased. When the Redcliff scheme was started, only a few farmers favoured the idea of irrigating, but after two years of operation more than half the area is now under irrigation. Last season—there was a good demand for water up to thd middle of December—23oo acres received water.

: On the Levels scheme, which became ready for operation during last season, a brisk demand for irrigation water set in early in the season, and the operators had a difficult task in coping with the problem raised in a sudden call.for the preparation of a big area of land. More than 8 per cent, of the total area was watered, and this is considered a very good start for a new scheme. Financial Position Of particular interest was the financial results of the year's operations on the irrigated area. Revenue was £266, and working expenses £771. The low revenue was due to the , short irrigation season and the low rates charged at the initiation of the schemes. It is the policy of the department to make the Initial charges low. to encourage farmers to prepare their land. Operation expenses are low. and as the number of farmers coming on to the schemes increases it is expected that revenue will rise substantially. A policy is now being followed of providing facilities for the use of the water on every farm, even where the farmer has not agreed to take the water, so that a change of mindmany farmers did change their minds after the completion of the'/existing schemes—will not find the farmer without available water. The steadily increasing number of farmers agreeing to take the water on the Redcliff and Levels schemes is claimed to be caused by results on irrigated land during the short dry period last summer, and over the longer period of actual operation on the Redcliff scheme. One of the most significant of these early successes, according to reports certified to by officers of the Department of Agriculture, was on a practically abandoned farm of light sandy silt which was capable of carrying only three-quarters of a ewe to the acre. After preparing the area, sowing it in grass and irrigating, this farm was carrying six ewes to the acre. It was irrigated three times. Farmers all over the area were greatly interested in the development of this once unproductive farm. Satisfactory Results

Although the Levels plain scheme was only in its first year, last season •between 40 and 50 paddocks were irrigated, and then in a season unfavourable for irrigation. Nearly 1200 acres were under Irrigation in the dry early months, most of the farmers using the border ditch method. The results, certified reports show, were more than satisfactory in every case, irrigation allowing steady growth at a vital period. The major scheme —the MayneidHinds irrigation scheme —embracing approximately 110.000 acres between the Rangitata and Hinds rivers, is expected to be in operation early in 1941. ready for the hot season. Water for this will come from the Rangitata river, along a great diversion race which will carry nearly, two-thirds or the water of the Rangitata .a distance of more than 40 miles. With the completion of this scheme, the great majority of the farmers in the hottest parts of the plains will be in a position to use irrigation, and so be secure against parching north-west summers.