The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture will undertake a three-year research program to boost sustainability and profitability for Tasmanian farmers through the efficient use of irrigation.
The project, Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture, received $1.6 million through the Tasmanian Government’s Agricultural Innovation Fund and was announced in August this year.
TIA’s agricultural systems centre leader and TAS Farm Innovation Hub deputy director Professor Caroline Mohammed said the project aimed to build sustainable and climate resilient irrigation farming systems in Tasmania.
“In collaboration with the government, industry, and farmers, we will assess the economic value already derived from Tasmania’s irrigation schemes and identify opportunities for future growth,” Prof Mohammed said.
“This will help to guide future investment in irrigation and support farmers to make decisions around land use change.
“Our research program is examining the current use of centre pivot irrigators to evaluate irrigation performance and support improvements to on-farm practices.
“Over the longer-term, this could result in benefits including reduced water logging, reduction of crop losses and improved soil health.”
As part of the project, TIA will host on-farm demonstration trials around the state to share regionally relevant strategies and tools to help growers optimise irrigation efficiency, sustainably manage soils and increase farm profits.
Prof Mohammed said this research program would link to, and work closely with the TAS Farm Innovation Hub’s statewide Efficient Water Use program to support Tasmanian primary producers to build confidence and skills in their on-farm water management.
“Producers around Tasmania have identified priority needs and preferences for training which includes stock water infrastructure design, pre-season irrigation maintenance and performance checks, and financial modelling and investment decision-making for irrigation development,” Prof Mohammed said.
Between these two programs, Tasmanian farmers will have access to information and resources to help them strengthen their business, climate resilience and sustainability for the future.