Federal Water Minister Penny Wong has called for such farmers to register their interest in a new program, which she says will help farmers stay on their farms, while returning water to the environment.

The Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Package offers up to $150,000 as a special exit payment to eligible irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin on farms of 15 hectares or less, plus up to $20,000 for other transitional assistance.

Eligibility for the package is conditional on an irrigator selling their water entitlement to the Federal Government so that water can be returned to the Murray-Darling Basin's stressed rivers and wetlands.

"The package will help these small block irrigators remain in their communities while getting out of the business of irrigation, at the same time as providing greater environmental flows to the Murray-Darling system," Senator Wong said.

"The assistance will bring relief to small-scale irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin affected by drought and climate change who wish to cease irrigated farming but are unable to sell their farms.

"It will give them the opportunity to exit the irrigation sector but remain in their family home and continue to be part of their local community."

Sen Wong says small-scale irrigators in areas including the Riverland and Sunraysia regions of the Murray have expressed particular interest in the program.

* Irrigators can register their interest for the program with Centrelink on 1800 050 015.