ADSEA: Modern irrigation systems cover 10% of country's cultivated areas

Azerbaijan plans to double the number of modern irrigation systems, which currently provide irrigation for approximately 10% of the country's cultivated land, Rafig Aslanov, Head of the State Water Resources Protection Supervision Service under the State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA), said during a meeting dedicated to the 2026–2030 State Program for the Development of the Agricultural Sector.

Report quotes him as saying that by 2030, the area covered by modern irrigation systems is planned to increase from the current 130,000 hectares to 300,000 hectares.

"One of the main goals of the program is to increase the water-use efficiency rate from 45% to 95%. At present, modern irrigation systems cover only about 10% of all cultivated areas in the country," Aslanov said.

He also noted that an additional 80,000 hectares of land in the liberated territories are planned to be supplied with irrigation water.

"Water supply improvements are planned for 41,000 hectares in Aghdam; 18,000 hectares in Fuzuli; 12,000 hectares in Jabrayil; 3,500 hectares in Gubadli; and 3,500 hectares in Lachin and Kalbajar combined," he added.