Vitalii Koval discusses deepening irrigation cooperation with World Bank representatives

During a visit to Austria, Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitalii Koval, met with World Bank representatives, led by Sameh Wahba, Regional Director for Sustainable Development at the Europe and Central Asia region.

The parties discussed deepening cooperation in the field of irrigation, particularly regarding the overhaul of the irrigation system development plan to extend assistance to more regions.

“The development of the irrigation system is one of the key priorities for the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. The situation is most challenging in eastern and southern Ukraine. In other regions, following the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, there are also issues with ensuring sufficient water supply for agricultural lands,” Vitalii Koval emphasised.

The Minister further stressed that the sooner a reclamation system is established and operational, delivering water to farmers, the faster the agricultural sector will recover, enabling Ukraine to strengthen global food security. According to him, currently, one hectare of Ukrainian land prevents hunger for 18 people worldwide, and with an effective irrigation system, yields could increase two- to threefold.