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UK water shortage affecting farming, wetlands

14 August 2022
24631
2022-08-14 19:46

As droughts are declared in several parts of England, it's an anxious time for farmers who are harvesting crops and feeding their livestock. Yields of crops have also taken a hit and water reservoirs in many places are at levels too low to meet the demand for irrigation.
According to the British Growers Association, crops such as potatoes, carrots and onions are forecast to be much lower than in a typical year. But David Exwood, the vice-president of the National Farmers Union, argues that there is in fact "enough water" in the country.
David Exwood, Vice President of National Farmers Union said "We have enough water in this country. It's normally in the West and in the winter, and we need investment in infrastructure to have it in the right place at the right time so there's enough water for people, food and the environment.This will not be the last drought. The government needs to address this. They are the ones who have the overall control. The Environment Agency clearly have a major role to play, but government need to lead."
Climate scientists have been surprised by the speed at which temperatures in Britain have risen in recent years and the widespread area affected by the heat.

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