Coldiretti warns of severe Po Basin drought and calls for a national reservoir network to protect Italy’s food belt
Executive summary: Coldiretti issued an alarm that the Po Basin has experienced a drastic drop in water levels, up to eight meters, and urged the creation of a network of reservoirs to mitigate the drought. The Po Basin contributes about a third of Italy’s agri‑food production; prolonged drought could cut yields, raise food prices and strain rural economies. Coldiretti (farmers’ association), Po River basin authorities, Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policies, regional governments, and agricultural producers across northern Italy. Government agencies may launch feasibility studies for new reservoirs, consider emergency water‑allocation measures, and seek EU co‑funding for water‑infrastructure projects.
The Po River basin’s water level has dropped to eight meters below normal, threatening a region that supplies roughly one‑third of Italy’s agricultural output. Coldiretti’s alert highlights the immediate risk to crop yields and livestock feed, urging rapid infrastructure investment to store water. While the announcement is based on observed hydrological data, the proposed solution will require coordination among ministries, regional authorities and private stakeholders, and its feasibility will depend on funding and environmental clearances.
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