The land area equipped for irrigation in the UK has shown a declining trend from 2013 to 2023. The actual data indicates an average contraction in land area, with year-on-year variations revealing consistent reductions. Specifically, from 2018 onwards, we observe a negative year-on-year change, culminating in a -5.74% drop in 2023. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years before 2023 stands at -5.18%, emphasizing the consistent decrease.
Looking ahead from 2024, the forecast indicates a continued decline in the land area equipped for irrigation, with an expected 5-year CAGR of -5.83% resulting in a total reduction of approximately 25.93% by 2028.
Future trends to watch for:
- Impact on agricultural productivity and crop yield due to reduced irrigated land.
- Potential technological advancements that might improve water use efficiency.
- Policy changes aimed at sustainable water management and conservation.
- Climate change effects and their influence on water availability and irrigation needs.