USDA funds water conservation initiatives in drought-stricken states

Farmers and ranchers from the drought-hit states in the US will receive $21m from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement water conservation measures.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the USDA will invest the amount in additional Farm Bill dollars to support the application of science-based solutions in order to lessen the short and long term effects of drought, according to US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The assistance will be provided to areas of the West which has showed signs of increased water scarcity, according to the nation’s Drought Monitor reports of May.

Parts of California, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah will be receiving the additional funds in form of aid.

The investment is intended to facilitate financial and technical assistance to the people in the severely drought-stricken areas in these eight states.

It will be provided to the crop and livestock producers in order to engage them in water conservation practices which can improve irrigation efficiency, better soil health and productivity, and ensure reliability of water sources for livestock operations.

Tom Vilsack said: "Since the historic drought of 2012, dry conditions have persisted in many parts of the country, particularly in the West.

"Every day, NRCS conservationists work side-by-side with agricultural producers and help them conserve water and increase resilience in their operations.

"Today’s investment will provide additional resources in drought-stricken areas to help farmers and ranchers implement solutions to mitigate the impacts of sustained drought."

NRCS has invested over $1.5bn between 2012 and 2014 to promote and implement water conservation practices for agriculture in the US.

NRCS is also encouraging water conservation and resilience through its contributions in the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).