Lower Savinja Valley running out of water for irrigation

In the heart of Slovenia’s Podravje region, a growing crisis threatens the future of agriculture. A director of a local agricultural company has warned that while food can be imported, lost fields, due to climate change, market pressures, and demands for sustainable farming, cannot be replaced. The situation is becoming increasingly urgent, with farmers facing unprecedented challenges in maintaining productivity and profitability amid volatile weather patterns and rising costs. Dejan Pernat, director of PP-AGRO, a subsidiary of the Perutnina Ptuj group, highlighted how the agricultural sector has evolved over recent years. Traditionally viewed as one of the slower-to-change industries, farming today is being tested by rapid environmental shifts, unpredictable commodity prices, and increasing expectations for sustainability. “The biggest change is increased unpredictability,” Pernat explained. In the past, decisions were based largely on long-term experience and established practices. Now, farmers must navigate extreme weather conditions, fluctuating input costs, and evolving consumer demands for environmentally responsible production methods. Pernat emphasized that modern farming requires more than just high yields, it demands adaptability, data management, and careful stewardship of natural resources. Farmers are increasingly acting as both producers and managers, balancing economic viability with ecological responsibility. “Agriculture is no longer just about producing well,” he said. “It’s about managing risk, monitoring markets, using modern technology, and ensuring long-term soil fertility.” Comparing current practices with those from a decade ago, Pernat noted significant changes. While the shift in mindset among farmers has been gradual, the scope of risks and economic uncertainties has grown substantially. “Ten years ago, production costs were much more predictable,” he said. “Today, the prices of fertilizers, energy, and protective measures can vary dramatically within a short period.” This volatility has forced many farmers to rethink their strategies, adopting more flexible approaches and investing in technologies that enhance precision and efficiency. In the Podravje region, these challenges are particularly evident. Farmers report more frequent and severe weather extremes, including unseasonal springs, hotter and drier summers, and sudden heavy rains. These conditions have made traditional planting schedules less reliable, requiring more dynamic decision-making. “We’re seeing more extremes than ever before,” Pernat observed. “Spring is often irregular, summer is hotter and drier, and we’re experiencing more floods and storms. That means planning plantings isn’t enough anymore, you have to respond to actual field conditions.” Farmers are also placing greater emphasis on selecting crop varieties and strains that are resilient to drought, heat, and disease. Daily decisions are now more reactive, driven by real-time data on weather forecasts, soil conditions, and pest development. Flexibility has become a key competitive advantage. “Farmers must constantly monitor and adjust,” Pernat said. “They need to act quickly when conditions change.” The issue is not limited to Podravje. Across Slovenia, water shortages are forcing difficult choices. In the Lower Savinja Valley, nearly 900 hectares of farmland have been officially banned from irrigation due to insufficient water supply. Farmers there are struggling to maintain crop quality, especially during critical growth periods such as grape ripening. “We need additional retention reservoirs immediately,” said Aljoša Uršič, president of the Kaplja irrigation equipment association. “Otherwise, food production will continue to be threatened.” The problem extends beyond individual farms. According to Blaž Dimec of the Agricultural and Forestry Office in Celje, over 2,200 hectares of land rely on irrigation systems in the area, but only around 900 hectares are currently allowed to be irrigated. “Those who don’t have water permits must avoid taking water from rivers altogether,” Dimec explained. “Even those with permits must adhere to prescribed flow rates, which are ecologically acceptable. If they exceed them, they must reduce or even stop irrigation.” Despite technical solutions being available, the lack of organization and infrastructure continues to hinder widespread access to irrigation. “There are plenty of technical solutions, but the state hasn’t done much to organize access to irrigation,” said Marina Pintar, dean of the Ljubljana Faculty of Biotechnology. “This is a major obstacle for farmers trying to secure stable production.” Experts warn that without immediate action, the ability to sustain agricultural output could decline further. “Over the next 20 years, another 20,000 hectares will need to be equipped with irrigation systems to ensure stable food production,” Pintar added. The challenge lies not only in providing water but in creating a system that allows farmers to access it efficiently and equitably.