MANILA, PHILIPPINES –  Irrigation and drainage services will continue to be important foundations for food production as the region transitions from a largely rural agrarian base to an increasingly industrial and service based urban economy, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda said at the Asian Irrigation Forum.

“Agriculture accounts for about 80% of the earth’s fresh water diversions,” Mr. Kuroda told participants. “Under our Water Operational Plan, we will support efforts to improve the productivity of water used in agriculture and reduce unnecessary diversions of water from rivers, aquifers and lakes.”

Changing food consumption patterns, rising energy needs, pollution, and climate change are putting a huge strain on the world’s water stocks. The three-day forum is looking at the measures required to make irrigation services more effective, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of users.

Since its establishment in 1966, ADB has provided financial assistance of about $20.5 billion in irrigation and other agricultural infrastructure including rural roads, and it is implementing operational plans to support food security and address water issues in the region.

The forum, which has drawn experts from the public and private sectors, research institutes and multilateral organizations, is exploring the region’s track record on irrigation and drainage, the lessons learned and the improvements needed. Former Olympic multiple gold medal winner Carl Lewis is attending as a goodwill ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.