National leader Simon Bridges says the Government has got it wrong on large-scale irrigation projects.

The coalition scrapped subsidies for irrigation schemes last year, copping criticism from farming groups.

But Bridges told TVNZ's Q&A programme irrigation is crucial for expanding horticulture, such as kiwifruit in Hawke's Bay.

He says it's an important driver of production.

"The reality about irrigation is it's both good farming practice and good environmental practice."