Maximizing Agricultural Water Efficiency: FAO Hosts Workshop in Lake Urmia
In a significant initiative aimed at preserving the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Governorate of West Azarbaijan Province, has launched a workshop for the project titled “Enhancing Restoration Activities in Lake Urmia through the Effective Use of Agricultural Water.” This project marks the commencement of its second phase, focusing on the restoration of Lake Urmia, a critical ecosystem in Iran.
During the workshop, FAO Representative in Iran, Farrukh Toirov, highlighted the necessity of collaboration and the application of practical technologies to improve water-use efficiency in the Lake Urmia Basin. As stated on FAO’s official website, Toirov emphasized, “Today’s workshop opens a new chapter. We have brought together some of the most experienced experts so that this project can advance on a strong foundation, guided by scientific knowledge and informed by local realities. Your expertise is essential to ensuring that we move in the right direction from the very beginning.”
Toirov pointed out that agriculture is a complex sector characterized by diverse agro-ecological conditions, which necessitates tailored solutions. He remarked on the importance of providing farmers with technologies that are simple, effective, and user-friendly, enabling them to utilize tools without advanced technical skills.
Furthermore, he addressed the disparities among farmers regarding farm size and financial capabilities. He noted, “While large-scale farmers may be able to afford advanced irrigation systems, many small and medium farmers cannot.” Therefore, Toirov stressed the need for accessible, affordable, and scalable solutions to ensure that modern irrigation systems are simplified and within reach of all farmers. He called for collective efforts from government institutions, research centers, the private sector, and international partners to achieve these goals.
Toirov also reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to collaborating closely with national counterparts and local experts throughout the project’s implementation. He expressed his admiration for the impressive scientific progress and strong institutional capacity observed in Iran during his tenure.
In his closing remarks, Toirov extended his gratitude to both national and international partners, stating, “I sincerely thank the Governorate of West Azerbaijan Province, all participants here today, and the Government of Japan for generously funding this project. We look forward to continued cooperation to support farmers in this region and contribute to the restoration of Lake Urmia.”
In October, with the financial support of the Government of Japan, FAO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a cooperation document aimed at reviving the drying Lake Urmia, located in north-western Iran. This signing ceremony took place during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to West Azarbaijan, as reported on FAO’s website on October 23.
The cooperation document was signed by Reza Rahmani, the Secretary of the Urmia Lake Rescue National Committee, and Ali Nazaridoust, Officer-in-Charge, representing the FAO in Iran. The Urmia Lake Basin is crucial for ensuring Iran’s food security and agricultural productivity. However, in recent years, water resources in the Basin have drastically declined due to factors such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and unsustainable water use.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, FAO is moving forward with this project to promote integrated water resource management and climate-smart agricultural practices across the Basin. The Urmia Lake component of the project will be executed jointly by FAO and the Urmia Lake Rescue National Committee (ULRNC). The primary objectives include:
- Scaling up improvements in agricultural water efficiency
- Enhancing agricultural productivity
- Safeguarding livelihoods
- Reducing pressure on water resources
Through initiatives focused on capacity development, the introduction of efficient irrigation technologies, and the promotion of sustainable farming methods, the project aims to help farmers and rural communities build resilience against water scarcity. This, in turn, will contribute to restoring the ecological balance of Lake Urmia.
The project exemplifies a robust partnership between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, FAO, UNDP, and the Government of Japan, all working together to support national efforts toward sustainable agriculture, effective water management, and environmental conservation.
As the project unfolds, stakeholders will continue to engage with local communities to ensure that the strategies implemented are not only effective but also sustainable in the long run, paving the way for a healthier ecosystem and a more secure agricultural future for the region.
