CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) An eastern New Mexico city still struggling with drought is considering a plan to pay farmers with federal grant money to stop watering their crops. KRQE-TV reports under a proposed conservation program aimed at changing the way Clovis area farmers use their water supply, farmers would be paid about $400 an acre to make the switch.
The change would mean farmers would have to rely on rain to water their land and some may have to change crops to those requiring less water. Despite recent rainfall, much of New Mexico remains under moderate to severe drought.
In Clovis, officials say years of drought and extensive irrigation has nearly depleted the Ogallala Aquifer which is the city's only source for drinking water.
