Saskatchewan pumping additional $2.5M into irrigation program

More money is flowing into irrigation in Saskatchewan.

The provincial Ministry of Agriculture is putting another $2.5 million into the Irrigation Development Program, which helps farmers finance irrigation infrastructure such as pumps and pipelines.

“Developing irrigation capacity is a priority for Saskatchewan,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a media release. “By supporting producers in the development of irrigable acres, we are creating a sustainable industry that will generate additional opportunities for our province.”

The government release explained that the $2.5 million — which was included in the 2022-23 budget — will allow producers to access up to $500,000 under the Irrigation Development Program. The previous maximum was $300,000.

To help producers access assistance, the deadline for Irrigation Development pre-approval applications has been extended from Jan. 15 to Dec. 31 and the deadline for Irrigation Environmental Efficiency pre-approval applications has been moved from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.

Over the last two years, more than 19,000 acres were brought under irrigation in Saskatchewan.

More information on the irrigation development program is available here.