Wojciech Frątczak and Katarzyna Izydorczyk (ERCE)

The droughts affecting farmers and residents have turned water management from a theoretical research task into an important element affecting agricultural production.

The discussion about the possibilities of water retention in agricultural areas was the main topic of Local WATERDRIVE Meetings, which took place in 2020. The meetings were attended by farmers from Bedlno Commune (water company – voluntary association of farmers, who are owners of land through which a drainage system passes., community council), representatives of National Water Holding Wody Polskie (responsible for water resources management; from local, catchment, regional and national level), water companies and local authorities from Kutno County, regional authorities, agricultural advisors, and experts.

Stakeholders identified the use of the drainage system as a basic tool in the fight against drought.  Renovating the drainage system and switching to a controlled drainage system allows water to be collected in open ditches and underground pipes through damming facilities, what resulted increased water retention in the soil. 

The result of the meetings was a joint action on the existing hydrotechnical infrastructure by the Bedlno Water Company and the Wody Polskie. Through weirs on the tributaries of the Bzura river, located in the Bedlno commune, water was dammed up by storing it in drainage systems and riverbeds. These activities are part of the national program “River cannel retention” launched by Wody Polskie in April 2020.

The “River cannel retention” programme has shown the potential for water retention in agricultural areas but also the need for major investments in repairing or reconstructing drainage systems and damming facilities. The funds allocated for maintenance works and investments in water retention in agricultural areas were insufficient.

The high level of agricultural losses due to the drought gave a strong impetus to water retention measures by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which started discussion with the European Commission. As a result of the dialogue, funds will be mobilised under the RDP 2021-2023 to increase water retention capacity and prevent flooding and drought in agricultural catchments.