SUBSTANTIATION OF COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES ON DEVELOPING IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IN AZERBAIJAN

Abstract

There was analyzed the current state of irrigated agriculture in the arid zones of Azerbaijan, results of reforms in the irrigation sector, direction of investments to improve the water management system in the country. After the transition to market economy and land reforms, there are difficulties in the management of agriculture, including dispersion and fragmentation of agricultural fields, poor application of crop rotation, changing sown structure, and application of traditional old irrigation methods. To achieve the efficiency of agriculture and land reclamation activities, we need to develop feasibility studies for the modernization of irrigation and drainage networks and construction of new generation irrigation systems. The main requirements are to prevent loss of irrigation water in all levels of water conveyance by application of anti-filtration cover, closed type drainage systems, taking into account local soil and hydro-geological conditions for more precise control of water-salt regime as well as improving efficiency of land use. These engineering activities should be strengthened by additional measures for improvement of agriculture, including compliance with the necessary farming practices, use of modern water-saving irrigation methods, land leveling, strengthening of farmers’ participation in management and operation of on-farm networks, consolidation of small farms in near future.