- ADB is helping Tajikistan modernize the Yovon irrigation and drainage system to boost agricultural productivity.
- ADB is helping to increase economic opportunities for women in agriculture in Tajikistan and enhance their involvement in land and water management.
- ADB and Tajikistan are working together to boost agriculture and water productivity.
In Tajikistan, ADB is working with the government to modernize the Yovon irrigation and drainage system in the lower Vakhsh river basin by making it more climate and disaster resilient.
The project will modernize irrigation canals and associated structures, install energy-efficient water pumps, and upgrade drainage structures. By using satellites to measure water productivity and crop production, and a buried pipe system with metering for increased control of irrigation water use, the project has a strong innovation and technological component.
The project will help mainstream gender policies in water users’ associations and in the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation to increase women’s involvement in management and access to services.
Transcript
Khatlon Province, Tajikistan
Women are vital in growing food and other crops in Tajikistan.
Some work in farms, while others grow fruits and vegetables in home gardens.
Many face challenges that prevent them from increasing their yield.
Tojiniso Atoeva
Farmer
Jomi District, Khatlon Province
“We grow wheat. We plant a second crop, corn. We plant cotton on 2 hectares. Tomatoes on 10-15 acres. We sell the harvest in the market and keep some for ourselves.
There were many difficulties - equipment, fuel, plowing the land. I had problems with the bank. Irrigation is outdated here. It needs repair.”
ADB is helping boost agricultural productivity and food security in Tajikistan by upgrading the Yovon irrigation and drainage system.
Around 6,700 farmers will benefit from improved water services and climate resilient technologies enabling them to harvest and earn more.
The project ensures women can access these services by enhancing their participation in water management.
Shanny Campbell
Country Director for Tajikistan
Asian Development Bank
“We are very proud that this project is going to help women have more knowledge about the sector and their participation in the decision-making bodies, particularly the Water Users Associations. The added challenge at the moment is climate change. It is affecting Tajikistan more than any other country in the region. It’s going to impact the sector in terms of lower crop yields, more competition for water. So women need to be in the position to address these challenges and enhance their participation in the sector.”
