Maximizing Agricultural Water Efficiency: FAO Hosts Workshop in Lake Urmia

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.

Similar Posts

  • IRCS Steps Up to Support Earthquake-Stricken Afghanistan: Ready to Provide Essential Aid

    Following a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan on August 31, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has pledged to provide humanitarian aid to the affected regions, particularly in Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and Laghman. With a magnitude exceeding 6.0, the quake has resulted in approximately 1,000 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries, with ongoing rescue efforts facing challenges in remote areas. IRCS head Pirhossein Kolivand expressed condolences and readiness to dispatch relief teams. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasized their commitment to assist in recovery efforts, highlighting the importance of international solidarity during this crisis.

  • VP Joins Global Leaders’ Summit to Champion Women’s Empowerment

    TEHRAN – Zahra Behrouz-Azar, Iran’s Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs, is attending the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing on October 13-14. This event, co-hosted by China and the UN, coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. Participants, including heads of state and international leaders, will discuss global challenges and review progress in women’s empowerment. Behrouz-Azar aims to enhance international cooperation and share Iran’s achievements, emphasizing women’s representation in decision-making roles and the importance of gender equality for sustainable development worldwide.

  • Celebrate Life: Join Us for Organ Donation Awareness Week!

    The national ‘Organ Donation, Life Donation’ week will run from May 15 to 21, organized by the health ministry to promote organ donation awareness after brain death. Each day will focus on different aspects of organ donation to enhance public understanding. Additionally, Shiraz is hosting the fourth annual Eurasian-Iranian organ transplant congress with international experts discussing advancements in the field. The week will culminate in the ‘Great Ceremony of Life,’ honoring families of brain-dead donors. This initiative emphasizes the importance of organ donation in saving lives and fostering a culture that values the gift of life through education and awareness.

  • Over 1,000 Lives Saved: Weekly Rescue Services Make a Difference!

    The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has significantly enhanced its humanitarian efforts, assisting over 1,000 individuals in critical situations from January 4 to 10. They conducted 78 rescue missions in Mazandaran, 59 in Isfahan, and 35 in Golestan, providing medical care to 274 injured and emergency treatment to 22 others. From January 11 to 15, the IRCS completed 351 additional rescue missions, helping 204 individuals reach medical centers. Their swift response during adverse weather conditions showcased their effectiveness, earning praise from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for their capabilities and commitment to disaster response.

  • Iranian Team Shines at 25th Asian Physics Olympiad, Bringing Home Multiple Medals!

    Iranian students have recently excelled in international physics and mathematics competitions, showcasing the country’s growing prominence in science. At the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Iranian participants won a silver medal and six bronze medals. The event attracted around 240 students from 30 countries. Additionally, Iranian students secured two silver and two bronze medals at the Turkic International Mathematics Olympiad (TIMO), placing fourth overall. In 2024, Iran achieved significant success across various international Olympiads, including gold medals in astronomy and informatics, ultimately ranking third globally in overall achievements.

  • Iran Welcomes Global Leaders for Annual Summit on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Fight

    From October 29 to 31, 2023, the annual meeting focused on the Global Fund to combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria was held in Sari, Mazandaran Province, both in-person and virtually. Participants included members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), government officials, private sector representatives, and international organizations like UNICEF and WHO. The CCM, chaired by Alireza Raeisi, coordinates national projects related to the Global Fund, which has saved over 70 million lives since 2002 by disbursing over $69 billion. The meeting emphasized collaboration to enhance global health initiatives, particularly in improving HIV testing capabilities in Iran.