OSCE Centre workshop addresses irrigation water use efficiency in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAD, 25 January 2008 - Irrigation water use efficiency is the focus of an OSCE-organized workshop that ends in Turkmenabat today.
Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad, the city municipality and the agribusiness school of Turkmenabat, the five-day workshop aimed to share international best practices on water use management in irrigation and raise awareness on the environmental consequences of salinization and inefficient irrigation methods.
"The workshop is highly relevant in Turkmenistan where the bulk of water resources is utilized for agricultural production. It seeks to bring value added to the host country's efforts to optimize water use in irrigation and contribute to capacity building," said Mohan Reddy Junna, a professor from the United States who delivered the workshop.
The event brought together twenty-five farmers, agronomists and employees of institutions in charge of water resources management, as well as the staff of the agribusiness school. International consultants shared their expertise in issues related to irrigation scheduling and water budgeting, drought management strategies and alternative irrigation technologies. The impact of climate change on water resources formed a particular interest.
The OSCE Centre will continue its support to programmes aimed at promoting water resources security.