Donors will allocate $172 million to modernize irrigation in Kyrgyzstan, The Times of Central Asia reports.
It is noted that international financial institutions and development partners will provide funds to the Kyrgyz Republic for the implementation of a large project to modernize irrigation networks.
It is also aimed at increasing water security, improving irrigation performance, and increasing agricultural productivity amid climate risks, the text says.
In early June, the World Bank approved $95.75 million in financing for Kyrgyzstan’s national irrigation investment program. The support package will also include $50 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, $20 million from the OPEC Fund for International Development, and a $6.25 million grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
According to Hugh Riddell, World Bank Country Manager for Kyrgyzstan, the country has set itself the goal of modernizing irrigation networks and making water access more reliable for farmers and rural communities. Agriculture remains a key sector of the country’s economy and a significant source of employment. However, outdated irrigation systems and high water losses continue to hinder productivity.
The new project aims to help mitigate these risks through infrastructure modernization, management reforms, and improved maintenance of irrigation systems.
The project is scheduled to run until 2032.
