FAO conducted irrigation systems trainings in 6 economic regions of Azerbaijan

In October and November, the Partnership and Liaison Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Azerbaijan conducted training sessions jointly with The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan for local farmers in 11 districts, namely Tovuz, Shamkir, Goychay, Kurdamir, Sabirabad, Beylagan, Imishli, Lankaran, Bilasuvar, Yevlakh, and Shaki. These sessions benefited approximately 275 farmers, covering various aspects of modern irrigation systems, including discussions on potential challenges.

The initiative to provide courses on water management and irrigation was launched in response to a survey targeting irrigation farmers in six economic regions of Azerbaijan. The survey, conducted by FAO Azerbaijan in December 2022, involved 312 respondents and aimed to identify concerns related to water supply, assess climate change awareness, evaluate farmer satisfaction with modern irrigation systems, investigate farmer concerns regarding the transition to modern irrigation systems, and explore incentives for farmers to pay for irrigation water, among other aspects. Training materials were developed for organizing regional training sessions based on the findings of this survey.

The training sessions, held at State Agrarian Development Centers (DAIM), included presentations by experts on water-related issues globally and locally. The correct methods of irrigation to avoid water problems and enhance crop production were discussed. Various irrigation methods, irrigation tools, their usage, and the benefits of incorporating them in the fields were demonstrated. Study materials, including information on irrigation methods, were distributed during these sessions.

It is important to note that the training activities, which commenced in October and concluded in November, were carried out under the TCP/AZE/3801 "Improved Water Governance: Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development" project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.