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Delivery of drinking water by helicopter: Farmers in the Friborg Alps in Switzerland are currently dependent on the military providing water supplies from the air.
This is the only way they can feed their thirsty livestock.
Because of the drought, the water reservoirs are almost empty.
Farmer Jacques Ruffieux needs around 10,000 liters per day for his 130 animals.
Jacques Ruffieux, farmer
'We were a day and a half away from having nothing at all, it was very close. I was still hopeful late last week because a storm was forecast. Near here, in Chateau-d'Oex, 60 liters came down - with us only six liters. So on Monday morning I decided not to think twice and to ask for help
.«
Six helicopters have now been deployed for two weeks.
But the emergency aid is not only costly, but also squanders large amounts of energy.
More sustainable solutions are needed.
Frederic Menetrey, Friborg Chamber of Agriculture
»The use of helicopters to bring water to pastures should not become the rule in the future, but rather the exception in exceptional years. We need to invest in reservoirs that will allow us to meet water needs during summer droughts
.«
In addition to the lack of drinking water, dry pastures are also a problem.
Without the special helicopter mission, the cows would have to be taken to lower-lying pastures and would eat up what was intended as winter supplies.
In some cantons, fresh grass is therefore delivered at additional cost or the cattle are slaughtered earlier than planned.
