Expanding water management program on farms to combat drought under the leadership of N.S.

The province of Nova Scotia has announced an expansion of its On-Farm Water Management Program. Minister of Agriculture Greg Morrow made the announcement in a news release, aiming to provide additional support to farmers in addressing drought and wildfire risks, and becoming more resilient in dealing with the impacts of climate change.

Launched in 2023 as part of the federal-provincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the On-Farm Water Management Program offers 50% cost-shared support for water supply projects like wells and ponds on farms. Last year, 30 such projects received a total of $215,000 through the program.

With an additional $475,000 being put toward the program, the expansion will fund all existing eligible applications and allow for a second call for applications. Alicia King, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, has emphasised the critical importance of reliable water access for farms. She stated that without adequate water infrastructure like wells, ponds, and other on-farm solutions, efforts to adapt to drought conditions can only go so far.

The On-Farm Water Management Program aims to help farms have a plentiful supply of water throughout the growing season. By strengthening water management, reducing fire hazards, and supporting farms to continue operating during difficult conditions, the program can play a crucial role in the agricultural sector's resilience.

Interestingly, the On-Farm Water Management Program has also been expanded by the Directorate General of On-Farm Water Management, Agriculture Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with activities in 2024 and 2025 mentioned. As part of the World Bank-assisted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (KP-IAIP), workshops and training are planned as part of the program.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit the dedicated provincial page.

Expanding water management program on farms to combat drought under the leadership of N.S.