Irrigation reform: Reclamation systems to be transferred to water user organisations by year-end

Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev held a working meeting with the heads of the State Water Agency and the State Fisheries Agency to accelerate the implementation of the irrigation reform. Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi also participated in the meeting.

The Minister emphasised that all reclamation assets must be transferred to the State Fisheries Agency, which is tasked with implementing state policy in the field of reclamation.

“The Ministry is paying particular attention to the irrigation reform, and we aim to expedite its implementation. Specifically, we plan to transfer reclamation assets to the State Fisheries Agency and water user organisations by 1 December, provided relevant requests are received. This is crucial for enabling farmers to work efficiently,” stressed Oleksii Sobolev.

According to him, the focus should now be on securing resources, including grants, for the reconstruction of reclamation systems, improving their efficiency, reducing water losses, and enhancing energy efficiency.

The meeting participants agreed to continue efforts to optimise state spending and improve management efficiency, particularly in the field of reclamation.