Irrigation research centre opened for World Water Day

March 18, 2021

Image: UNDP Uzbekistan

18 March, TASHKENT – In recognition of the upcoming World Water Day on 22 March, the ‘Strengthening technical capacity’ joint project of UNDP and the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, within the European Union program “Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan”, has officially opened a research-training centre for students of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers. The centre will be used by students to study advanced water-saving technologies for irrigation applications.

World Water Day has been an international annual event for almost three decades. The idea of recognizing this day was first voiced in 1992, the year when Rio de Janeiro hosted the UN's Environment and Development Conference. On 22 February 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 47/193, which declared 22 March to be World Water Day. This year’s World Water Day has been held on the theme of “Valuing Water”, recognizing that accessing safe water remains a hurdle for 2.2 billion people around the world.

The new research-training centre contains classrooms, a lysimetric complex, a pumping station and examples of various irrigation technologies, all of which are designed to support educational programs and research studies focused on the implementation and application of water-saving technologies. The centre’s construction will serve to ensure the sustainability of the joint project’s work in enhancing professional skills within the water management sector.

The opening ceremony included a presentation of training modules, a handbook for hydraulic engineers, and the new technical equipment installed at the centre. In addition, the winners of a number of competitions organized for the occasion of World Water Day were announced. At the end of the event all guests were served with Uzbek Plov and Sumalak, the latter being a festive dish prepared in spring in honour of the Navruz holiday.

The ceremony was attended by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, the UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, the Rector of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, the Deputy Minister of Water Resources, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education, and also academic staff and students of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers.

Within the joint project of the Ministry of Water Resources and UNDP under the EU Program, there is a strong tradition of jointly celebrating this important day together with the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers.