Valve of large irrigation pipeline for supply of household plot in the new town of Sayhun
GIZ
Diversity of water sources
Water delivery by large canal
GIZ
Collecting irrigation water in a large barrel for using it for drip irrigation of household plot
GIZ
Water is pumped from a small well to a water tower, from where it fills a concrete reservoir, which then supplies a fruit garden and a melon field
GIZ
Capture of rainwater from house roof
GIZ
Irrigation water can be used from different sources. In the region, where the solution is implemented these are:
- the Syrdarya river, from where it is pumped through large pipelines;
- irrigation canals;
- wells;
- small springs, which are captured by simple means;
- rainwater collection from the roofs of houses.
The different water sources are related to a diversity of governance systems. The regional government owns and maintains large pipelines and canals, medium irrigation canals are in the responsibility of district water management authorities and smaller structures are cared for by the communities or by individual farmers.
Depending on the amounts of irrigation water available and the associated costs there are increasingly new and water efficient technologies applied for irrigation of the lands.
The diversity of sources of irrigation water is an enabling factor by itself. Together with the availability of diverse technologies it allows for the continuation of irrigated farming under the conditions of climate changed induced increasing aridity and irrigation water shortage.
Irrigated agriculture can be effective and efficient with different sources of irrigation water. Creative innovations and the application of best practices allow for the capturing of even small sources of irrigation water and their use for the cultivation of irrigation dependent crops and thus for generation of local income. By this the resilience of land users to the impact of climate change is improved.