A new digital system aimed at improving the efficiency of water resource use in agriculture has been tested in Dashoguz Velayat. The project is being implemented through cooperation between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan.

As part of the project, a digital solution adapted to the climatic conditions and soil characteristics of Turkmenistan was developed based on the CROPWAT 8.0 software of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The system makes it possible to determine the irrigation needs of crops more accurately and use water resources more efficiently.

The Saparmurat Turkmenbashy etrap of Dashoguz Velayat was selected as the first testing site for the new technology. Here, hydromodule zoning was carried out across more than 86,000 hectares. The system analyzes satellite data and meteorological indicators to calculate the amount of water required for different agricultural crops.

This approach will make it possible to determine the irrigation needs of croplands on a scientific basis, prevent excessive water consumption and contribute to the efficient use of water resources.

A special training and practical seminar was also held for hydraulic engineers, agronomists and teachers of relevant higher education institutions with the aim of widely introducing digital irrigation technologies into agriculture.

As part of the project, it is planned to incorporate the principles of digitally calculating the amount of water required for irrigation into the curricula of higher education institutions. The approach is also expected to become one of the important tools for helping agriculture adapt to the impacts of climate change.