Interactive map of the best practices

on the use of water, land and energy resources,
as well as the environment of Central Asia

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Comparison of practices

Selected practice: Increasing water availability of desert pastures

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Using combined-type drainage in Fergana Region

In 1980, specialists of NPO SANIIRI (Research and Development Association “Central Asian Research Institute of Irrigation”) designed and for the first time applied this type of drainage in the Qarshi Steppe where it demonstrated its efficiency.  The project was suspended due to lack of funding.  The re-launch of the project and installment of a combined drainage system in Kuva District (2010) once again confirmed its high efficiency and profitability, especially in areas of confined underground waters.  Further on, the model was applied in Rishtan, Altyarik and Baghdad Districts where it is successfully working. Actions: reconstruction of the open collector; construction of the combined drainage system; operation of the combined drainage system; consultations with local experts on designing and constructing combined drainage systems; holding a training for Basin Irrigation System Administration (BISA) and Reclamation Expedition (RE) personnel on combined drainage system operation; development and distribution of training materials. Results: Financial and economic: Specific construction costs (sum/ha) of the combined drainage system were twice less compared to horizontal drainage models.  Vertical drainage of 1 hectare of land requires 700-800 kWh of energy, whereas the combined drainage is hyperpiestic.  Maintenance costs for combined drainage systems are also much lower compared to horizontal and vertical drainage models – specifically, twofold less than for closed horizontal and threefold less for vertical. The combined drainage systems also allowed increasing crops productivity. Technical: The reclamation condition of farm land has improved.
Узбекистан, Ферганская, Кувинский

Increasing irrigation efficiency via laser planning (leveling) of irrigated land

Initially, the laser technology was applied to develop virgin acreage for principal land planning.  Later, it was used for routine land planning (smoothing). In recent years, the application of laser planning technology almost stopped due to lack of resources, but this case study shows how relevant it is in the current context.  Actions: area (land) leveling (planning); table-top and project design works on land planning; preparation of equipment; preparation of laser equipment; laser land planning; deep land loosening and administration of organic fertilizers.  Results:  Technical: increased plot (KZI) ratio (up to 0.92-0.95); 25-30% water saving.  Financial and economic: increased crops productivity; income from planned (levelled) acreage increased from 2.17 mln sum/ha to 4.6 mln sum/ha.  Environmental: • improved land reclamation condition (ground water mineralization decreased, thus, leading to contraction of salinized acreage).
Узбекистан, Ферганская, Кувинский

Using the technology of crops irrigation via ground water feeding in conditions of acute water shortage

The gate devices used abroad are expensive and inconvenient as to their maintenance.  The control device designed by the ICWC Research Center allows regulating ground water level (GWL) by way of altering the device’s height (for example, its height can be 90 cm).  Besides, it is easily installed and dismantled after use. Actions: Selection and justification of the choice of a plot for potential drainage (admissible ground water mineralization should not exceed 3 g/l); Detailed analysis of interaction between irrigation and drainage on the level of farms and WUAs (Water User Associations); Mounting and installation of GWL control device; Fitting the drained plot with modern tools and monitoring the elements of water-salt balance in the aeration zone; Impact assessment of water supply and GWL regulation on soil humidity and salination, drainage discharge and drainage water mineralization as well as crops productivity. Results: Financial and economic: Low overall costs of the GWL control device compared to similar foreign devices; Increased (5-8%) productivity of winter wheat compared to control land plot. Technical: rational use of surface water. Environmental: reduced drainage.
Узбекистан, Ферганская, Куштепинский

Using drip irrigation systems with natural water pressure

Actions: Free-flow DIS was installed at the Zhijdalisoj Water Reservoir and was connected to the already operating gravity irrigation piping network. Due to the elevation difference between the pipe inlet and outlet (at the point of entry to the irrigated site) the system generates natural water pressure allowing free-flow DISs installed in gardens to operate without any pumping equipment, i.e. electricity. Results: Technical: thanks to free-flow DIS, water and fertilizers are distributed evenly, strictly according to corresponding norms, in due time and economically (water saving - up to 50%). Financial and economic: increased (by 30-40%) crop yields and improved yield quality. 350,000 sum/ha ($150/ha) saved due to electricity saving and no need to repair pumping equipment.
Узбекистан, Наманганская, Папский

Transition from territorial to hydro-graphic principle of managing the Southern Fergana Main Canal (SFMC)

Actions: Instead of 3 WMOs established based on the territorial-administrative principle, one organization (Administration of the Southern Fergana Main Canal, ASFMC) was created on the basis of the hydro-graphic principle.  ASFMC is fully responsible for maintenance and operation of the SFMC from the point of water intake to the very end of the canal (see figures).  Results:  Transition to the hydro-graphic principle of establishing WMOs allowed to do the following: sharply decrease the number of water conflicts on the borders between regions and districts; enhance the uniformity (fairness) of water resources distribution; enhance the stability of water supply; reduce organizational losses.
Узбекистан, Андижанская

Using portable polyethylene trays (PPL-50) of semi-circular section for сrop watering

Actions: Water supply using PPL-50 is possible from: a) reinforced concrete trays, b) covered network, c) temporary earthen water distributers; Prior to watering, the trays are manually distributed along the route and installed with required inclination perpendicular to the furrows in the beginning of the irrigated site. Sections are inserted into each other; After adjustment, the kit is capable of ensuring the desired watering regime; In case of long furrows (150+ m) layer watering is used with the application of flexible polyethylene film hoses (D=300 mm); Depending on specific site conditions, inter-row spacing and crop type, the size of irrigation streams is regulated by way of adjusting the water supply control gate. Results: 20-30% reduction of field unproductive losses; Increased productivity (2-4 dt/ha for wheat, 3-4 dt/ha for cotton); At least twofold increase of irrigator labor productivity; Increased land use ratio (1.5-2.5%).
Узбекистан, Ташкентская, Паркентский

Electronic Water Current Meter (ISV-1)

ISV-1 is universal and easy to use.  Measurements are presented on the display in digital form and in speed units.  Use of the electronic device for measuring water speed and, based on it, water consumption facilitates the work of hydro-accountants. Device characteristics: no rubbing details in the design; no requirement for preliminary and subsequent periodic calibration; measurement results do not depend on changes in physical composition and properties of water; simplifies the process of water speed measuring and, therefore, water consumption accounting; available in stationary and portable designs; measurement error is comparable to this of the widely used GR-21; small overall dimensions and weight; relatively low cost, etc.  The device is universal and its measurement results do not depend on water composition and properties, except for temperature (desired range 0 to +30°C). The device underwent successful testing and was deployed in 5 Basin Irrigation System Administrations (BISA): Chirchik-Akhangaran BISA, Zarafshan BISA, Syr Darya-Sokh BISA, Amu-Surkhan BISA, Lower Amu Darya BISA. Actions: manufacturing of 5 ISV-1 devices; training of BISA hydro-accountants on device operation and use. Results: 5 above-stated BISAs accepted (acceptance certificate) and are presently using them; the device’s testing is continuing for different irrigation system conditions; the device developers continue receiving positive feedback from leading hydro-accountants; at present, the works to enhance and certify the device are in progress.
Узбекистан, Ташкентская

Using polymeric film for anti-filtration canal panning

There are different ways to prevent water filtration in distribution canals: anti-filtration canal coating with cast concrete, reinforced concrete plates, polymeric film, etc.  Separate use of these materials does not yield expected outcomes.  Fragility and lack of durability of polymeric film led to suspending its use. Actions: In 1965-1968, the mechanized (automated) way of canal panning with reinforced concrete plates and/or cast concrete in combination with polymeric film coating was introduced.  Initially, the canal’s perimeter was covered with black polyethylene film overlaid with reinforced concrete plates and/or cast concrete.  Experience shows that such canals are durable and are still operating today, although in recent years operational costs have significantly decreased. Results: Canals built with reinforced (cast) concrete panning in combination with polymeric film coating lose almost no water.  For example, in UR-24 and UR 25-9 Canals in Pakhtakor District -- where such panning was used for the first time – water losses dropped 20-30 times, and operational costs also sharply decreased compared to other facilities with different anti-filtration coating.  Water losses on the Right Branch of the SGC (discharge capacity – over 50 m3/s) amounted to only 1.8 l/s per 1 km.
Узбекистан, Сырдарьинская

Establishment of the Southern Fergana Main Canal Water User Union (SFMC-WUU)

The SFMC-WUU is an association of legal entities in the form of Union – a voluntary independent non-profit public organization uniting legal entities (i.e. WUAs) based on common interests with the aim of coordinating actions and protecting shared interests and rights.  SFMC-WUU operates as per the Charter approved at the general meeting of water user representatives, has its own stamp and bank account. Actions: The creation of SFMC-WUU began with the establishment of the Initiative Group (IG).  The IG consisted of active water specialists, representatives of water users and other stakeholders who saw the need to transit to IWRM.  Further on, the IG carried out social mobilization, drafted necessary documents (the Union’s Charter, etc.), organized the general meeting of water users that approved the Charter and established the Union’s Council (Board).  After that, SFMC-WUU underwent legal registration and officially launched its work. Results: SFMC-WUU established and legally registered; SFMC-WUU contributed to enhanced stability and uniformity of water supply to WUAs via state WMO; Representing the interests of water users within the SFMC Water Committee, SFMC-WUU also contributed to decreasing conflicts between WUAs and WMO.
Узбекистан, Андижанская

Ensuring transboundary cooperation and integrated management of water resources and water facilities of interstate value in the Chu and Talas River Basins

Actions: Based on preliminary consultations in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the expert team drafted the project document (including, the first international) for preliminary review by the key partners, including the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) of the Kyrgyz Republic.  Based on the SAEPF feedback, an additional environment expert was invited to mainstream water resource quality monitoring and assessment aspects into the document. The expert also executed a series of recommendations that were further integrated into the final version of the project document.  In February 2014, the preliminary version of the project document was submitted to and jointly reviewed with the Secretariat of the Chu-Talas Water Management Commission in Bishkek. The consultations allowed gaining support (joint project funding and implementation) on behalf of MALR of Kyrgyzstan, Water Resources Committee (WRC) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of Kazakhstan, SAEPF with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Kyrgyzstan, SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), UNDP and UNECE.  To facilitate the suitable conditions for launching the transboundary project, SAEPF was assisted in drafting the bylaws “Rules of Protecting Surface Water” and “Rules of Protecting Underground Water” serving as the legal foundation for executing joint water quality monitoring, including in the Chu and Talas River Basins.  The project document was also submitted to the GEF Secretariat.  GEF Secretariat comments were reviewed and accounted for.  The project was approved in September 2014. To optimize costs, the Meeting of the Project Review Committee (PRC) (GEF/UNDP/UNECE Project “Promoting transboundary cooperation and integrated water resource management in the Chu and Talas River Basins”) was held back-to-back with the Meeting of the Chu-Talas Water Management Commission. As per PRC recommendations, the project document was submitted to the MFAs of the hosting countries (in Kyrgyzstan -- on behalf of SAEPF, and in Kazakhstan – on behalf of UNDP Kazakhstan). Results: The mid-size Project “Promoting transboundary cooperation and integrated water resource management in the Chu and Talas River Basins” was designed in due time based on the approved Concept and in compliance with the UNDP/GEF rules and procedures, including the requirements of the GEF International Waters Work-stream, and submitted to the GEF Secretariat.
Кыргызстан, Таласская
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