Bulgarian fruit and vegetable producers have warned that the sector is under threat due to the lack of water for irrigation. The Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industry sent an open letter to Parliament Speaker Natalia Kiselova and parliamentary group leaders requesting an urgent meeting. According to the Chamber, crops that survived this year's severe weather could still be lost if irrigation does not resume, which would directly affect national food security.
Chamber chairman Tsvetan Tsekov stated that earlier requests for dialogue with the Ministry of Environment and Water had received no response. He added that this has forced growers to call for immediate institutional action. Producers are demanding real access to irrigation resources, simpler procedures for using surface water, and a meeting with water management authorities. The Chamber also requested to be heard by the parliamentary agriculture committee to present the current state of the sector. Tsekov warned that the risk of bankruptcies is increasing and that "all possible measures must be taken to prevent such an outcome."
Water shortages are also pressing in Pleven and the surrounding areas. ViK-Pleven, supported by Sofiiska Voda, has allocated 40 million leva (US$22 million) to replace 30 kilometers of worn-out water pipes. The sections were selected following field studies and expert assessments. In addition, exploratory drilling has begun near the Vit pumping station to locate a deeper aquifer that could provide a supplementary supply.
ViK-Pleven manager Eng. Kliment Todorov described the measures as short-term steps to stabilize the system. He said conditions remain difficult along the Cherni Osam transmission group, which channels water from Lovech to Pleven. Seven villages are currently experiencing critical shortages. The utility is seeking additional water sources to bring stability to the supply in the affected areas.
Source: Novinite
