On two consecutive meetings, held on February 5th and 13th, 2019, the farmers from Gorna and Dolna Banjica, were introduced to the technical design and two proposed alternatives for the irrigation system Banjicko Pole.
The first potential solution foresees water intake structure near Vrutok fish pond, which was presented and discussed at the last meeting on December 5, 2018. The second solution envisions connection to the new/upgraded irrigation system Raven-Rechica in the vicinity of the HPP Raven which will be built in parallel and financed by the state budget.
The farmers agreed that the second alternative is recommended because the main pipeline is shorter for 3 km what makes the system economically more justified. The water will be distributed under pressure directly from Raven – Rechica system, it will be very clean water and the farmers will be first users for water supply. According calculations, the system will have enough pressure and can provide irrigation for the whole area of coverage, approximately 110 ha. The pressurized systems will allow having water whenever they need and there will be no issue if the farm is upstream or downstream. The new system will be closed system, suitable for surface irrigation, but also drip irrigation.
Farmers are aware of the process of urbanization and the planned infrastructure facilities in the vicinity of Banjica, which influenced the proposed irrigation area. The layout of the new irrigation network will be designed that future urbanization and infrastructure will have no impact on it.