Why irrigation is key to the agricultural economy

摘要

The practice of irrigation has soared in importance since the 1976 drought, when it was something few farmers did. In the coming years, it will become even more critical to farmers.Today, irrigated agriculture and horticulture form an integral part of the farmed economy - particularly in the Midlands, East Anglia and south-east England - covering some 150,000ha 1 and more than 1,000 agri-businesses. These are businesses large and small, employing many thousands of people whose jobs depend on irrigation that produces high-quality fruit and vegetables for the nation’s wholesalers, supermarkets and food service sectors.