“Inflating traffic jams” at scarce tapping points
Respect for the many farmers who are struggling in this persistent drought to somehow save their livelihood. On top of the drought, a heat wave is approaching them, which can be extra damaging to the crops. (Read more below the photo)
Few remaining tapping points
Farmers have to search for the few tapping points that are still available. Many buffer basins are almost empty, making it no longer possible to pump water. Also streams and other unnavigable waterways offer no solace, because there is a ban on pumping. If there is still water. Farmers can no longer fetch water in the Yser either. So all growers of crops have to rely on the tapping points that are still there.
Busy in Menen
Navigable waterways, such as the Leie or the canals, are therefore very busy. Farmers collect water there during the day. they water in the evening or at night. Because irrigating during the day means that the crops are in danger of ‘burning’. There is such a tapping point at the lock in Menen that has been busy with applications. (Read more below the photo)
Expensive thing
Pumping water is expensive for farmers. The transport up and down, the fuel that goes into it, the time that goes into it… All this to save a livelihood that is already under pressure due to the drought. Some crops like that of beans seem almost lost already. (Read more below the photo)
Frustration of cyclists
Because farmers have few taps, they are forced to find water in the few places along rivers where they can reach with their tractors. This is often the case with a towpath. Due to the crowds, there is a thick layer of sandy earth on the towpath in Menen, which is loosened by tractors moving back and forth. This causes frustration among passers-by and cyclists. Here too, some respect for the farmer who struggles for his income is in order.