The program of modernization of irrigation systems in cost in $ 50 million starts In 2018 in Armenia

ArmInfo. In 2018, Armenia launches a program for the modernization of irrigation systems at a cost of $ 50 million. This was stated by the Chairman of the State Committee of Water Economy of Armenia Arsen Harutyunyan on February 6 at a press conference.

According to Harutyunyan, corresponding  to the results of the program, which is aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainable irrigation, it is expected to increase irrigated land by 10,500 ha. In addition, it is planned to restore 63 km of water canals (main and secondary), as well as the on-farm network, the length of 277.4 km. The program is also expected to achieve energy savings of 14.3 kW / h. In total, as the head of Vodkhoz noted, the beneficiaries of the program will be 115 thousand people.

Earlier it was reported that within the framework of the framework loan agreement "Irrigated agriculture" Armenia expects assistance from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) for the irrigation system modernization program of about $ 40 million.

It should be noted that the total portfolio of loans to Armenia from the Eurasian Development Bank is currently $ 490 million. In addition to the $ 300 million allocated to support budget reforms, the EDB provided Armenia $ 150 million for the North-South highway program, and $ 40 million for the program modernization of irrigation systems. EDB also signed an agreement on intentions with CJSC "Electric Networks of Armenia" on the opening of a $ 100 million credit assets.