OSCE Centre organizes training course in Turkmenistan on micro-irrigation systems

ASHGABAD, 4 July 2008 - A training course on designing, operating and maintaining micro-irrigation systems in Turkmenistan, organized by the OSCE Centre, concludes today in Ashgabad.

The three-week project was implemented by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad in co-operation with Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry, and the Water Resources and Agriculture Ministries.

"Given that agriculture consumes a significant quantity of Turkmenistan's water resources and substantially contributes to its economy, optimizing water use in irrigation through the development of water saving technologies and practices is crucial to the country's future," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, the Head of the OSCE Centre.

During the first week, an international expert met with farmers and water users in the Ahal and Lebap regions to explore current irrigation systems in place. The field trips were followed by two weeks of in-class discussions on best practices for implementation of micro-irrigation and other irrigation technologies and strategies used in OSCE participating States, and the potential for their application in Turkmenistan.

Experts from Turkmenistan's regional and municipal water utilities, farmers' associations, agronomists and university faculty took part in the events, which were held at the Agribusiness School in Turkmenabad, and the Agricultural University in Ashgabad.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat will continue to support the Government of Turkmenistan in its efforts to promote water resources security.