Irrigation has been a talking point all over the country in the past few months, as our weather patterns have been anything but co-operative.

Some local councils are looking at ways to assist farmers and landowners with schemes designed to store and distribute water in times of alternating drought and heavy rain.

One of these leading the way is the Otago Regional Council, currently looking at funding community irrigation to stimulate the local economy.

ORC Chair Stephen Woodhead says planning is underway for such a scheme for next years’ budget.

"There is significant potential for irrigation within the region, and it helps build our regional economy, strength, and resilience of communities.

"We believe there is an opportunity to be heard and we are in a position to assist."

Stephen Woodhead says the council is looking carefully at how much money and time a scheme would require.

"We’ll know after June 30. when the council has decided after receiving feedback from the public.

"The grant would be a figure of up to $2 million, and as fast as equity investment is concerned we’d be dealing with it on a case by case basis."

If a funding scheme is successful in Otago, it could well pave the way for expansion in other areas of the country who have been hit by drought in recent seasons.

For more information on the ORC’s plans head to their website, here.