1. Managing Water for Sustainable Agriculture
2011/3
Also available at http://www.icid.org
Message from the President
Dear ICID Colleagues and Friends, Minister of Water
Resources Mr Chen
In preparing this message, I have been
Lei, himself a stalwart
reflecting on my three year term as
of both ICID and
President of ICID. The first item that came
CNCID. The occasion
to mind was how quickly time flies!
was the hosting of an
It seems like only yesterday when you
International
elected me to be your President. It was
Workshop on Water
indeed a whirlwind tour of duty.
Savings for Food
I have had the great fortune to meet many, Security and the
to visit with you in our member countries official opening of an
and national committees, and to share international training
special and fond memories and interactions and research center in
at national, regional and international irrigation and
meetings. Our collaborations and drainage. It was
interactions have been thought provoking, totally evident at all
stimulating, and in many cases led to far times during the visit
reaching decisions. I think of the decisions that CNCID and ICID
taken at our last two International Executive play a very strong With H.E. the Minister of Water Resources Chen Lei in Beijing
Council meetings. We debated, discussed, role in the
sometimes disagreed, but in the end we modernization and implementation of As your President, I have listened to your
retained a decorum of civility, professiona- irrigation, drainage and water supply concerns about ICID’s budgetary situation,
lism, and respect for the opinion of others. projects in China. We are regarded as a and I have been fortunate to have the
To me this has been a hallmark of ICID. premier and highly respected organization counsel and guidance of a very responsible
Our unity of purpose, dedication and in China. It was further evident during that Management Board, Permanent Finance
commitment to the cause of irrigation visit that other international organizations Committee, and Staff Committee. Through
drainage, and flood control worldwide wished to replicate ICID’s successes in these organs, we have reviewed the
etched an imprimatur, which can only be China and other parts of the world. financial operations of ICID, and staffing at
the envy of other international professional Central Office. And I am pleased to report
China is just one such example. I can that the institution is on a better financial
bodies. And we undertake our tasks in
say the same for several other national footing. We have reduced the Central
modesty in all its forms.
committees. The point I want to make is Office staff by nearly 50%, primarily
ICID is a volunteer organization, and I am that ICID is in an internationally envious through attrition, while improving the
astounded by the many individuals who position, but equally I wish to emphasize efficiency of operations, through introduc-
always respond so positively when asked to that we ought to take pride in ICID and tion of technology, better allocation of
take on a responsibility. I can safely say how we operate. One of my tasks as human resources, and outsourcing of some
that not a single person has ever said no, President has been to instill a sense of functions. This has not been easy for the
when called upon. For this I am extremely pride in ICID both internally and externally. Secretary General and his staff. But I want
grateful and thankful. It is a privilege to be I know for a fact that many envy us, given to pay a very special tribute to the
surrounded by such a dedicated cadre of that we do our job with a very small Secretary General and the staff of Central
people who give so freely of their time, fraction of what donors etc. provide to Office for their understanding of the world’s
skills, energy and talent. other organizations. It is through your financial situation and the need to tighten
voluntary efforts and the financial support the belt. They have done this with courage
I recently had the honour and privilege to of our national committees, as well as
lead a high level ICID delegation to China, and sacrifice, and we all owe them a debt
through conferences, that we are able to of gratitude, since they have put the
at the invitation of our Chinese National maintain our modest financial base.
Committee (CNCID) and His Excellency the organization above their own interests and
International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage IN THIS ISSUE
(ICID) was established in 1950 as a scientific, technical • New Secretary General (Designate) 2 • SonTek – Believe in infinite possibility 6
and voluntary not-for-profit non-governmental • Welcome to Tehran 3
• China Launches International Centre 4 • Steps to Improve Irrigation in Bangladesh 7
international organization. The ICID News is published
• Micro Irrigation for Enhancing Water • Upcoming and Future ICID Events 8
quarterly by ICID Central Office, New Delhi, India.
Productivity 5
ICID News 2011/3
1

2. kept ICID at a peak level of performance appointed the next Secretary General of ICID has perhaps witnessed a renaissance
and responsiveness to the national ICID (see box below). I am pleased to over the past few years. There is renewed
committees and work teams. The business report that Mr. Tyagi has agreed to accept interest in the organization. There is now a
of ICID kept on ticking without interruption the post, and his appointment will be healthy competition for elected positions.
or hindrance. One of my greatest brought to the Tehran IEC for ratification. All of this is good because it brings vigour
satisfactions has been to visit the Central The Selection Committee and I are and vitality to the institution.
Office, and to meet and interact with the convinced that Mr Tyagi has the necessary
The external community appreciates our
staff. Their dedication is unparalleled and skills and international experience which
strengths and is calling on us. We have a
I ask that you continue to support the place him in an unenviable position of
duty and an obligation to respond, and to
Central Office staff and operations in a very advancing the international agenda of ICID
go beyond the imaginable. But to attain
positive way. in the coming years. I ask you to support
such heights, we must remove the barriers
Mr. Tyagi’s appointment and to welcome
Of course, the leader and guru of the that separate us. We must join hands in
him to the ICID family. He is no stranger
Central Office is our Secretary General, unison and work together as equals. No
to ICID, since he has attended some of
Mr. Gopalakrishnan. He is a master in his national committee stands taller or greater
our IEC meetings, and has been the WMO
own right, and person of distinction who than another. No office bearer is more
observer to IEC. We are extremely
has led the Central Office with immaculate influential or has a greater say than
fortunate to have a person of his caliber
grace. Mr. Gopalakrishnan has been an another. Each country and its citizens have
in our midst.
indefatigable and tireless foot soldier on a right to its aspirations. We must respect
behalf of ICID. He has brought great During my mandate I sought to articulate those aspirations and at times differences
honour to ICID and has commanded the importance of investments in irrigation in views. We owe this to our children and
the respect of several international and drainage to meet the challenges of their children, if we are serious about our
organizations. I envy his energy level and world food security. Our views on the goals of reducing poverty, hunger, mal-
unswerving commitment to ICID. He will subject have been sought by numerous nutrition and affliction through improved
be stepping down this year, after 8 years national and international agencies, and we irrigation, drainage and flood control
of service, and I look forwarding to have been invited to speak on the topic at practices.
thanking him formally at the Tehran IEC, several international fora. I have stressed
I close by inviting you to our 21st
in your presence. the importance of having a stronger
International Congress and 62nd IEC in
research and development capacity in
The position of Secretary General was Tehran, from October 15-23. I can assure
irrigation and drainage, in order to ensure
advertized, and there were numerous you that the Iranian National Committee
that water management for food security is
applicants. A Selection Committee, chaired has gone out of its way to organize an
sustainable. I wanted to see ICID reclaim
by President Honoraire Keizrul Bin exceptional set of meetings. They are
and reinvigorate IPTRID, since this was
Abdullah, screened all the applications, superb hosts and I know that you will
our brainchild. I am extremely pleased
and interviewed the shortlisted candidates. enjoy their fine hospitality and warmth.
that in this regard, Iran and China have
The Committee unanimously recommended I look forward to seeing you in Tehran.
come forward with concrete proposals to
that Mr. Avinash Tyagi, a water resources lead various ICID efforts in R&D and Yours truly,
expert who has worked extensively in international training. I urge more of our
India’s Ministry of Water Resources, and national committees with strong research
more recently with the World Meteoro- establishments to also come forward and be Professor Dr. Chandra A. Madramootoo
logical Organization in Geneva be part of this network. President
Avinash Tyagi is the New Secretary General (Designate) of ICID
Mr. Avinash Commission (CWC) and Ministry of Water Mr. Tyagi has worked closely with
C. Tyagi, a Resources. various UN agencies and other
1973 graduate International organizations. He is
from Mr. Tyagi is presently the Director of the known for his candid and professional
University of Climate and Water Department of the approach to realize the benefits of
Roorkee, World Meteorological Organization international cooperation and is an
India and a (WMO), a specialized UN Agency, and is ardent advocate of multi-disciplinary
post graduate responsible for providing support to the collaboration, a continuing dialogue
from Indian countries in the field of water resources with various stakeholders and
Institute of management including flood management community participation for solving
Technology and adaptations to climate change complex development challenges in
(IIT) Delhi, particularly in the water and agriculture the water sector. Mr. Tyagi has been
has 37 years sectors. For the last 9 years at the WMO, associated with activities of ICID as an
of experience he has developed an intimate knowledge observer in its Working Groups on
dealing with of issues related to water resources flood management and climate change
various facets of water resources management in developing countries and strived for closer relationship
management. He has worked in water around the world. He is presently the between ICID and WMO.
resources sector for Government coordinator of UN-Water Thematic Priority
of India for 28 years at Central Water Area on Water and Climate Change. Hearty welcome to Mr. A.C. Tyagi!
ICID News 2011/3
2

3. Welcome to ICID International Event at
Tehran in October 2011
It is my Congress, and 62nd IEC meeting’ to be IRNCID Organizing Committee & Executive
immense held in Tehran, Iran, during 15-23 October Board appreciate receiving your comments
pleasure to 2011. IRNCID with its high-level private to ensure the success of this important
invite all and public teams is gearing up to host the event via <irncid@gmail.com>. I would
interested event as glorious as possible. Delegates be also personally available to deal with
organizations will experience the warm, friendly, Iranian your individual inquiry with respect to
and pro- hospitability. your attendance in this congress. Please
fessionals in feel free to contact me at
irrigation and Iran with a rich history on water resources <s.nairizi@toossab.com>.
drainage across management approaches and more than
the world to 8 million hectares of irrigation land, I’m looking forward to meeting you all in
attend the surrounded with beautiful landscapes Tehran.
unique which are supported by a very active and
modern irrigation industry is an attractive Dr. Saeed Nairizi
‘21st ICID Congress on Irrigation and
venue to be visited. Senior Member, IRNCID Executive Board
Drainage, 8th International Micro-irrigation
Just less than 45 days from now, the entire 300 papers/ posters will be presented water saving contributions, Best Performing
ICID fraternity will gather at the historic during the event. The ‘3rd N.D. Gulhati National Committee, Best Performing
city of Tehran to participate in the 62nd IEC Memorial Lecture for International Workbody, and Best ICID Journal Paper.
Meeting, 21st ICID Congress on Irrigation Cooperation in Irrigation and Drainage’ will A large technical exhibition of equipments
and Drainage, 8th International Micro be delivered by Dr. Charles Michael Burt, and technologies in irrigation and drainage
irrigation Congress to be held during 15-23 Chairman of the Board, Irrigation Training will be an added attraction. There will be
October 2011. All the events will be held and Research Center, Cal Poly, USA. two technical tours to Mazanadaran and
in a magnificent venue – IRIB International President Chandra Madramootoo will be Khuzestan, while two post conference tours
Conference Center (IICC) having world the keynote speaker for the 8IMIC. The to historic and scenic provinces of Isfahan
class conference facilities. Besides the renowned experts from international and Shiraz. Further details about the
above, annual meetings of various organizations will present their reports on registration procedure, accommodation,
workbodies, special workshops/ sessions congress questions. Awards will be program and updates can be accessed at
jointly with FAO will be held. More than presented to the winners of the outstanding the congress website <www.icid2011.org>.
Program at a Glance – 15-23 October 2011, Tehran, Iran
Monday
Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Day/Date 24
15 October 16 October 17 October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October 22 October 23 October
October
Time (Hours) 09.00-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.00
Registration Registration Registration Poster presentation,
Poster presentation, 8th IMIC
21st Congress
Registration EXHIBITION (3) Plenary session Closing Ceremony
Start of NCs Displays NCs Displays NCs Displays (Conclusions)
EXHIBITION (1) EXHIBITION (2)
Q 56 Q 56 • Q56 • Conclusions &
Q 56.1 (I) Q 56.1 (II) Q 56 8th IMIC (I) 8th IMIC (I) Recommendations
WG-HIST / Intensi- Opening Q 56.2 (I) Q 56.2 (II) Q 56.1(III) 8th IMIC (II) 8th IMIC (II) INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE • Q57
Theme WG-TRUE EB-JOUR C-PR&P
Seminar fication-TRID Ceremony Q 56.3 (I) Q 56.3 (II) Q 56.2 (III) 8th IMIC (III) 8th IMIC (III) COUNCIL (IEC) • Declaration
‘Knowledge’ Q 56.4 (I) Q 56.4 (II) Q 56.5 (III) • 8 IMIC
th
Q 56.5 (I) Q 56.5 (II) • Awards/ Plaques
Combined Q Combined Q
57 (I) 57 (II) Q 56 • Address by
N.D. Gulhati
(Q 57.1 (Q 57.1 Q 56.1 (IV) President
Memorial
Q 57.2 Q 57.2 Q 56.2 (IV)
Lecture
Q 57.3 Q 57.3 Q 56.5 (IV • Address by
Q 57.4) Q 57.4) President-elect
WG-SDTA and WS
WG-
Theme ‘Basin’ WG-ENV WG- WG-CAFM PCTA • Address by Chair,
REGISTRATION
DROUGHT
CLIMATE
Start of Technical and Post-conference Tours
Organizing
WG- Committee
POVERTY WG-MIS
Theme ‘System’ WG-DRG WG-WATS
MDG*
WG-ON-
Theme ‘On-Farm’ C-CONGR WG-PQW WG-CROP
FARM
ERWG
ASRWG
RWGs WG-YPF AFRWG / AMRWG PCSO
ST-LCB
WG-IDSST
TF-WWF6
TF-BIO- Special
ENERGY Session on
Task Forces TF-FIN and WS TF-WWF6 Water for
TF- Food
SEDIMEN- Security
TATION with FAO
SC
FAO Side event
(15.00-17.00)
Mtg. NCs- Mtg. NCs-
MT-JOUR
Side Meetings PFC OBs (08.00- VPs (17.00-
(17.00-18.00)
09.00) 18.00) Mtg. OBC
MB
(18.00-20.00)
Workshops/ SS on
SS for YPF FAO-ICID-IRNCID Special Australian
Symposium/ Symposium Moderni-
(15.00-1800) Session Session
Special Sessions zation
Reception / Open Reception/ Open Welcome Reception Reception / Open Turkish Night Australian Reception Farewell Dinner and Cultural Show
Receptions
(19.00-21.00) (19.00-21.00) (19.00-21.00) (19.00-21.00) (19.00-21.00) (19.00 – 21.00) (18.30 – 22.00)
PCSO Workbodies PCTA Workbodies Task Forces Workshop/Seminars/Special Sessions 21st Int. Congress on Irrigation & Drainage 8th Int. Micro Irrigation Congress
Tea/ Coffee Breaks: 11.00-11.30 hours and 15.15-15.45 hours; Lunch Break: 12.30-13.30 hours
ICID News 2011/3
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4. China Launches International Centre for Training
and Research in Irrigation and Drainage
An International Workshop on Water Saving Irrigation and Food Security was hosted by the Chinese National Committee (CNCID)
in Beijing in July 2011. The Workshop is a maiden effort following the ICID’s renewed efforts to invigorate the IPTRID.
On this occasion, China Research and Training Centre in Irrigation and Drainage was launched at the hands of President Chandra
Madramootoo. This marked the birth of the first nodal Centre for the new IPTRID. In a high level meeting held between ICID
President and H.E. Dr. Chen Lei, the Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources declared a strong commitment in supporting the ICID
and in promoting its mission across the globe. A brief report.
International Workshop on Water
Saving Irrigation and Food Security
The international workshop was held in
Beijing during 11-14 July 2011 and was
jointly organized by ICID and CNCID with
the support of the Ministry of Water
Resources, China. This was in tune with
the signing of MoU between CNCID and
ICID at Yogyakarta in October 2010.
The workshop was opened by H.E. Jiao
Yong, the Vice Minister, Ministry of Water
Resources, China. President Madramootoo
in his keynote speech urged on the need Workshop delegates with Minister H.E. Chen Lei, Vice Minister H.E. Jiao Yong of Ministry of Water
for global food security and the importance Resources, China and President Prof. C. Madramootoo
for water savings in agriculture which shall
drive the future technology and research in prevalent in Asia; the wide ranging The participants of the workshop were
the sphere. The workshop attracted an practices and measures in addressing cost privileged to participate in an impressive
overwhelming participation of nearly 100 recovery for irrigation; the need for launching ceremony of an International
professionals from China and from 12 revamping existing large-scale irrigation Centre for Training and Research in
countries, covering over 60% of the total schemes using new technology and tools; Irrigation and Drainage in Beijing at the
world irrigated area. The workshop was the need to bridge in the gap between the hands of President Chandra Madramootoo,
graced by the presence of PH Aly Shady, field research and its uptake by farmers, thanks to the great support of the Ministry
Prof. Wang Aiguo, Chairman CNCID, Prof. and; ICID member countries could gain by of Water Resources, The Government of
Jia Jinsheng, President ICOLD, VPH Cai the new IPTRID process by twinning China.
Lingen, VPH Karim Shiati, VPH Gao interests and hence an institutional mecha-
nism to share the available technology and The launch function was attended by
Zhanyi, VP W.F. Vlotman, and VP A.K. delegates of the workshop besides Prof. Li
Bajaj. CNCID sponsored the international knowledge base among countries and
regions across the world. Yangbin, DG of China Irrigation and
travel and stay of the participants who Drainage Development Center and its staff,
were in need of such support. The workshop was preceded by the visit to Thierry Facon (FAO) and the representa-
Secretary General Gopalakrishnan IWHR and field trips to Daxing Irrigation tives of the participating national
highlighted ICID contributions to the global Experimental Station of IWHR, Water- committees.
water savings efforts. Country presentations saving Project, and Water Saving
Demonstration Base of MoWR in Beijing. The workshop and the launch of the
by representatives from Australia, China,
Training and Research Centre go on record
Canada, India, Iran, Nepal, Malaysia,
Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, and
Launch of International Centre for as the maiden effort following the
Training and Research in Irrigation engagement of National Committees in
Uzbekistan, besides FAO were made.
ICID in their renewed efforts on
The main topics covered were - irrigation and Drainage
“Intensification of Irrigation and Drainage
management, water productivity
Research to achieve Global Food Security”
improvement at different scales, and
as enshrined in the discussion document
irrigation technology for small holders,
floated during the 61st Council meeting
environmental aspects of water saving
held in Yogyakarta.
irrigation, rainwater harvesting, etc.,
The workshop brought out the - importance The workshop presentations can be
for water savings with the ever growing viewed at <http://icid.org/
stress on land and water for food security; news_online.html#beijing11>
the multipronged approach by adopting
hard and soft options to enhance water and
land productivity; developing ‘pro-poor’
cost effective portable irrigation systems
(From L): VP W.F. Vlotman, Pres. Chandra
that can fit in small holder situations
Madramootoo, and VPH Gao Zhanyi
ICID News 2011/3
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5. Micro irrigation for Enhancing Water Productivity
A Summary of the Lecture delivered on 62nd Foundation Day of ICID
“With growing demand for irrigation water and increasing competition across other water use sectors, the world now faces a
challenge to produce more food with less water. This goal will be realistic, only if appropriate strategies are adopted for water
savings and for more efficient water use in agriculture” said Anil Jain, Managing Director, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. – which is the
world’s second largest multi-national Irrigation Company located at Jalgaon, India. Jain was the chief guest at the function organized
by ICID Central Office. The following are the key highlights of Jain’s speech.
Global Scenario
The global population is set to increase
to 7.8 billion by 2025 and 80% of this
increase will occur in developing countries.
This factor puts a lot of pressure on food
security and concomitantly on resources
like water for irrigation. Irrigated agriculture
is the major contributor to the world food
security for the last 4-5 decades. For
example, 17% of irrigated cropland in the
United States produces nearly 50% of total
crop revenues. On a global scale, irrigated
agriculture accounts for less than 20% of (From L) S.A. Kulkarni, Executive Secretary; Anil Jain, Managing Director, JISL,
the total cropland area but provides 40% of A.K. Bajaj, Chairman, CWC/ INCID, M. Gopalakrishnan, Secretary General
agricultural output.
Irrigation accounts for 72% of global fresh Indian Scenario piped conveyance systems. Such piped
water withdrawals of water (90% in many distribution enables adoption of drip/
developing countries). Water shortages In India, micro irrigation has been silently sprinkler irrigation in the command area.
threaten to reduce global food supply by creating another green revolution and This approach has already been adopted
more than 10% in the next 25 years yet transforming agriculture and horticulture in in the States of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
food production must double by 2050 to many parts of the country. It is more than Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
meet the demand of the world’s growing just a water saving tool and has emerged Other complementary technologies and
population. McKinsey reports that the global as a single most important technological measures such as mulching, use of draught
water requirement is likely to rise from the intervention in crop productivity enhance- resistant cultivars, bio-technology, soil
present 4500 billion m3 to 6900 billion m3 ment. However today, India has only 6 moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling,
by 2050 which is 40% more than the million ha i.e. less than 10% of irrigated subsurface drainage will provide multiplier
current accessible or reliable water supply. area under sprinkler and micro irrigation. effect of such interventions.
Thus the country needs to accelerate the
Globally, of the 300 million ha of area growth of micro irrigation technology by Micro irrigation schemes should be given
under irrigation, only 45 million ha, i.e. adding minimum 10 million ha in the the status of infrastructure projects and
15% is currently under sprinkler and micro coming decade. receive support for multilateral funding.
irrigation. Of this 80% is under sprinkler In a major initiative Government of India
irrigation, including pivot irrigation and Some of the key benefits due to adoption has recently created the ‘National Mission
20% is under micro irrigation. In the of micro irrigation accrued over on Micro Irrigation’ which has given much
United States, widespread adoption of the period include: quantum jump in needed recognition to the impending need
center pivot irrigation has dramatically production of fruits and vegetables, for wider use of micro irrigation in the
improved agricultural water use efficiency. dramatic yield increase in crops like red country. Various State Governments have
Between 1969 and 2003, the average U.S. gram (300%), sugarcane (100%); catalyst strongly supported the use of drip irrigation
water application rate has declined by in harnessing full potential of new as a way to save water and increase
20% or over 125 mm per acre. Over the technologies like Bt. cotton, tissue culture productivity. The Government provides
same period, water efficiency gains in banana, hybrid seeds, water soluble up to 75% subsidy on the purchase price
allowed farmers to increase total irrigated fertilizers, etc.; arid and saline lands, of micro irrigation equipments.
acreage by over 40% while applying only ravine and steep mountain lands can now
11% more water. be used for growing fruit trees like - For faster and successful implementation
custard apple, pomegranate, ber (jujube), of the micro irrigation technology in India,
Enhancing water productivity, therefore is there is a need for boosting training and
dates, etc. Micro irrigation can address the
a key challenge. For example, productivity knowledge transfer to farmers through Farm
dry periods between rain spells. In remote
of irrigated rice is 0.13-0.15 kg/m3 in the Schools, Agricultural Science Centres,
areas, drip irrigation systems can be
conventional rice cultivation situation while satellite communication and digital media
operated by solar pump sets.
it can be increased to 0.57-0.63 kg/m3. in the operation and maintenance of micro
Technologies currently available for In order to bring the benefits of micro irrigation systems, irrigation scheduling,
irrigation and crop management are capable irrigation technologies in the canal supply of crop water requirement (Etc)
of producing more crops per command areas conventional conveyance data to farmers, etc.
drop of water. network will have to be replaced by
ICID News 2011/3
5

6. ICID News 2011/3
6

7. Pioneering Steps to Improve Irrigation
Management in Bangladesh
Regulator on Feni Closure Dam
With Asia home to 71% of the world’s 300 million hectares of irrigated land, the need to make existing irrigation systems perform
more efficiently is an essential requirement for meeting growing food demands. Despite the introduction of participatory irrigation
management (PIM) to compliment investments in irrigation infrastructure and to contribute to sustainability of system improvements,
making gains on major rice-based irrigation schemes remains challenging. Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi, Senior Water Resources Specialist,
Asian Development Bank provides a brief of a pioneering approach for improving irrigation management in Bangladesh.
With the need for increased food security are often undermined by weak stakeholder where it is lifted for irrigation by about
and the confines posed by increasing water participation. This adversely affects 1100 low lift pumps.
scarcity and global climate change, the operation and maintenance (O&M) and
To improve the management, operation and
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been overall system performance. Yet, small-scale
maintenance of major irrigation systems a
providing investments in irrigation systems (<1000 ha) have demonstrated
pilot project encompassing the entire
management and system improvement over better performance with an increasing
secondary and tertiary system of MIP is to
the past three decades to its developing number of well managed, stakeholder
be established. This will require use of a
member countries including Bangladesh. driven schemes. The challenge is to adapt
Specialized Management Unit (SMU) which
conventional PIM solutions to better
About 70% of the Bangladesh poor live will be tasked to: Ensure water users
respond to large scale systems.
in rural areas with low agricultural receive reliable and equitable supplies;
productivity and unreliable food supplies. One such option has been recently Establish a transparent and equitable system
Promoting agricultural growth is a critical assessed in Bangladesh under ADB for recovering some proportion of the costs
element of the government‘s strategy aimed financing1. The study provided a more associated with delivering water; and
at food security and poverty alleviation. focused analysis of managing major Strengthen the assessment, planning,
Efficient and sustainable irrigation systems irrigation systems, including Muhuri financing, and implementation of O&M.
are central to boosting agricultural Irrigation Project (MIP) located in south
BWDB will have overall responsibility for
productivity and encouraging crop eastern Bangladesh. MIP was designed for
(i) bulk water supply to the primary system;
diversification. Failure to rehabilitate dry season irrigation and supplemental wet
(ii) implementing all irrigation system
infrastructure and properly manage and season irrigation by constructing the Feni
improvements at the primary and secondary
maintain large-scale surface irrigation Regulator downstream of the confluence of
levels of the system, (iii) maintaining
schemes has negative impacts on farm the Feni, Muhuri and Kalidash-Pahalia rivers
responsibility for the management,
production, household incomes and and creating a reservoir. Water flows
operation, and maintenance of the head
poverty. There is a pressing need to through canal network by gravity from
works and primary system, (iv) entering into
improve existing scheme performance
Impediments to efficient system management a contract for the services of a facilitating
through innovative management approaches
entity to establish the SMU and (v)
and institutional frameworks as a platform Low irrigation service charge collection monitoring the contract between BWDB
for designing and implementing a new which is inadequate to support system and the facilitating entity to ensure
generation of more effective large-scale O&M,
compliance.
surface water schemes. It is expected that No systematic procedure for asset
these will in future, contribute to national management and to identify O&M needs, If the SMU proves to be successful, it
food security and poverty alleviation. Limited participation and consultation with would itself become a registered
beneficiaries on O&M requirements, independent entity and contract directly
Since 1977, ADB has financed 35 technical
Lack of asset inventory and condition with BWDB to continue to provide the
assistance ($22 million) and 20 loan
survey on which to develop maintenance requisite services. The facilitating entity will
projects ($730 million) in Bangladesh.
budget, also develop an asset inventory of all
Recognizing the key role of the policy and
Proposed annual budgets for O&M are irrigation infrastructures to establish a
institutional environment, ADB has
curtailed due to insufficient funds, system performance benchmark of MIP and
incorporated these aspects to support its
Funds released for O&M do not reflect institutional performance of the entity.
investments in water resources infrastructure
requirements for annual, periodic or
development. Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi may be contacted at
emergency maintenance of a system, and
<ysiddiqi@adb.org>
Generally, performance of investments has Lack of enforcement of cost recovery or
been mixed. Large-scale surface water contribution to O&M costs in particular for (Disclaimer:The views expressed and the
schemes, under the responsibility of annual maintenance. conclusions reached are those of the author
Bangladesh Water Development Board 1
Technical Assistance 7260-BAN: Developing Innovative and not necessarily those of ADB)
(BWDB) of the Ministry of Water Resources Approaches to Management of Major Irrigation Systems, 2011
ICID News 2011/3
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8. Upcoming and Future ICID Events
62nd IEC, 21st Congress and 8th on soil and water resources; and History more details, please contact: Dr. S.A.
International Micro Irrigation Seminar on Possibilities of using traditional Assadollahi, Secretary General, Congress
Congress Tehran, Iran, 15-23 October methods in modern water management Secretary, Iranian National Committee on
2011. The theme of the Congress is systems. The theme of the 8th International Irrigation and Drainage (IRNCID), No. 1,
Micro Irrigation Congress is “Innovation Shahrsaz Alley, Kargozar St., Zafar Ave.,
“Water productivity towards food security”
in technology and management of micro Tehran, Iran, Postal Code: 19198-34453.
and will be held on Question 56: Water
irrigation for enhanced crop and water Tel: (+9821) 2225 7348 – 22250162,
and land productivity challenges; Question
productivity”. Other events viz. E-mail: <irncid@gmail.com>,
57: Water management in rainfed
International Workshop (TF-FIN), Special <icid2011@gmail. com>, Website: http://
agriculture; Special session on Moderni-
Sessions of “FAO-ICID-IRNCID” and www.icid2011.org. (Also see page 3)
zation of water management schemes;
“Australia” have also been planned. For
Symposium on Climate change impacts
3rd African Regional Conference food security in Africa in the context of paper(s) to amid-mali@orangemali.net and/
(AfRC) and 3rd African Exhibition of climate change; and (3) Water Productivity or inf@arid-afrique.org. The full length
in agriculture and the challenge of climate papers (oral and poster) should be received
Irrigation and Drainage (SAFID), 29
change. Two panels of experts (including by 31 October 2011. Contact: Dr. Adama
November - 5 December 2011, development partners, political and water SANGARE, Secretary General, Association
Bamako, Mali. The main theme of the users’ representatives) will discuss and Malienne des Irrigations et du Drainage
conference is: Food Security and Climate exchange with the delegates on important (AMID), Au Modibo Keita, Im Sulla and
Change: How to improve the contribution issues such as environmental risks, Fils, BP 1840, BAMAKO, Mali. Tel: (223)
of irrigation and drainage? The Sub-themes agriculture insurance, etc. 222 75 21, Mobile No.: (223 )674 08 94,
are: (1) Climate change impacts on the Fax: (223) 223 48 82, E-mail:
development of Irrigation in Africa; (2) All those persons interested in contributing a.sangare@betico.net; betico@betico.net,
Policies and strategies to improve the to the afore mentioned themes are Website: http://www.amid-mali.org.
contribution of irrigation an drainage to requested to send abstract(s) of their
63rd IEC Meeting, 7th Asian Regional emphasis on the themes: (i) Regional contact: Conference Secretariat, E-mail:
Conference, and Irrigation Australia Cooperation for Water and Food Security, IAL2012@saneevent.com.au, Tel: 61 2
2012 Conference and Exhibition, and (ii) Droughts, Floods, Environment: 9553 4820 or VPH Dr. W.F. Vlotman,
24-30 June 2012, Adelaide, Australia. Managing Consumptive Water needs Chairman, ICID-NCA at E-mail:
Sustainably. For further details, please <Willem.Vlotman@mdba.gov.au>
Abstracts are invited from researchers and
practioners for conference session with
11th International Drainage Workshop Priorities. Contact : Workshop Secretariat, Tel:( +2 02) 44464505 / 010-16419861,
(IDW), 23-27 September 2012, Cairo, c/o Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hassan Amer, Fax: (+2 02) 44464504, E-mail:
Egypt. The theme of the workshop is: ENCID Chairman, Coastal Protection <encid@link.com.eg>, ENCID website:
Agricultural Drainage Needs and Future Building, Fum Ismailiya Canal, Shoubra El- http://www.encid.org.eg, IDW website:
Kheima 13411, P.O. Box 40, Cairo, Egypt. http://www.encid.org.eg/idw11
64th IEC Meeting and 8th Asian Flood. Contact : Mrs. Serpil KOYLU, 06100 Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey, Tel/Fax:
Regional Conference, October 2013, Turkish National Committee, ICID (TUCID), + 90 312 425 4614, E-mail :
Mardin, Turkey. Theme: Drought and Delvet Mahallesi Inönü Bulvari No. 16, tucid@dsi.gov.tr.
12th International Drainage Workshop Secretary General, National Committee of B. Akademicheskaya ul. 44, 127550,
(IDW), June 2014, St. Petersburg, the Russian Federation on Irrigation and Moscow, Russia. Tel/Fax: +7 095 153
Russia. Contact: Ms. Irena G. Bondarik, Drainage (RUCID), VNIIGiM, Room 601B, 94 06, E-mail: <ibond@online.ru>,
<rusiptrid@mail.ru>
65th IEC Meeting and 22nd Secretary General, Korean National of Korea. Tel: +82 31 400 1755/1758,
International Congress on Irrigation Committee on Irrigation and Drainage +82 31 400 1759, Fax: +82 31 406
and Drainage, 2014, Republic of (KCID), 1031-7 Sa-dong, Sangnok-gu, 7278, E-mail: <kcidkr@gmail.com>,
Ansan-Si, Gyeonggi-do 425-170, Republic <kcid@ekr.or.kr>
Korea. Contact: Dr. Jin-Hoon JO,
Editor: Dr. S.A. Kulkarni, Executive Secretary, DTP: K.D. Tanwar, ICID Central Office, New Delhi, India
Tel: +91-11-2611 6837/5679, E-mail : icid@icid.org
ICID News 2011/3
8