Agricultores de Cristalina cobram melhor gestão do uso da água - Globo Rural 15/10/2017

Summary

The video explores the water scarcity issues in Goiás, one of Brazil’s main irrigation hubs. It highlights the struggles faced by both large-scale and small-scale farmers, who depend on irrigation to survive in the region's dry climate. The report showcases innovative solutions, like sustainable water use and soil recovery systems, that have helped increase productivity while mitigating environmental challenges. Despite technological advancements, small farmers face significant barriers in accessing water, with limited outorgas (water usage rights). The piece also touches on the potential for collective water management to improve fairness and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Irrigation systems in Goiás, Brazil, are critical for maintaining agricultural productivity, especially in regions with low rainfall like Cristalina.
• 🌧️ Water scarcity is a growing problem in Goiás, with rivers such as Paracatu running dry due to lack of rainfall and overuse of water resources.
• 💧 Cristalina is one of Brazil's largest irrigation hubs, with over 700 pivots spanning more than 6,000 square kilometers, allowing farmers to grow up to 45 different crops annually.
• 🚜 Irrigation brings several benefits, including increased crop yield, more frequent harvests, and the ability to grow a variety of products like potatoes, onions, and strawberries.
• 🏞️ Despite the advantages of irrigation, excessive water use has led to soil degradation and crop diseases, posing challenges for long-term sustainability.
• 🌱 Soil recovery techniques, such as the integrated crop-livestock system, are being implemented on farms like Fazenda Maringá to restore soil health and improve water efficiency.
• 🌞 Innovations such as floating solar power systems on water reservoirs are helping farms like Fazenda Figueiredo to reduce water evaporation and generate renewable energy.
• 💧 Small farmers in Goiás face significant challenges due to limited access to water rights (outorgas), with 93% of water permits granted to large-scale farms.
• ⚖️ The disparity in water access between large and small farms is leading to inequities in agricultural productivity and making it harder for smallholders to survive without irrigation.
• 📡 Technology is playing a key role in managing water resources more efficiently, with tools like satellite data, sensors, and meteorological stations helping farmers optimize irrigation practices.
• 🤝 Collective water management systems, such as pooling water rights through associations, are being explored as a way to ensure fairer distribution of water and increase efficiency for small farmers.

Q & A

What are the main challenges related to water in the region of Cristalina, Goiás?

The main challenges in Cristalina, Goiás, include the lack of rainfall, water wastage, and poor distribution. These problems are exacerbated by irregular rainfall and growing water demands due to agricultural irrigation.

How has irrigation impacted the agricultural sector in Cristalina?

Irrigation has significantly boosted agricultural productivity in Cristalina, allowing for multiple harvests per year and increasing the variety of crops produced. However, it has also led to overuse of water resources, causing concerns over sustainability.

What percentage of the agricultural land in Cristalina is irrigated?

Approximately 13% of the agricultural land in Cristalina is irrigated, with a large portion of the production relying on irrigation for crops like wheat and cotton.

What are the environmental impacts of extensive irrigation in the region?

Extensive irrigation has led to soil degradation, with issues like soil exhaustion, diseases, and reduced productivity. The overuse of water without proper soil management has created long-term environmental challenges.

What solutions have been proposed to address soil degradation in Cristalina?

One proposed solution is the integration of crop-livestock systems, which allows for soil recovery by rotating between crops and grazing. This system improves water infiltration and restores soil health.

What is the role of the Samambaia River in Cristalina's water supply?

The Samambaia River is crucial for the water supply in Cristalina, particularly for irrigated agriculture. Its watershed supports many farmers, and the construction of large reservoirs on the river helps store water during dry periods.

How has the local community managed to deal with the water scarcity in recent years?

Farmers in Cristalina have managed water scarcity by investing in large reservoirs and employing irrigation techniques like pivot systems. Some have also adopted alternative solutions like solar-powered water systems to reduce reliance on traditional water sources.

What challenges do small producers face regarding water access?

Small producers struggle to access water for irrigation due to unequal distribution of water permits. Large and medium-scale producers hold most of the water permits, leaving small-scale farmers with limited access.

How are water distribution systems being restructured to benefit smaller producers?

There is a push for collective water usage models, where groups of small producers manage water resources together. This approach aims to ensure more equitable water distribution and reduce conflicts over water rights.

What technological innovations are being explored to optimize water use in agriculture?

Technological innovations such as satellite imagery, soil sensors, and meteorological stations are being used to monitor water usage more accurately. These tools help optimize irrigation schedules, reduce water waste, and ensure better resource management.