A drainage system to decrease the risk of over-watering of the crops
Ms. Balkhumor Mengliqulova manages a 5-hectare farm, cultivating wheat, cotton and vegetables in the Yovon region in southern Tajikistan. Due to increasing groundwater levels, farms in this region face the risk of over-watering of its crops as well as soil salinization. This has affected plant growth and water quality, resulting in lower crop yields.
Ms. Mengliqulova approached the GEFF Tajikistan team directly to consult on possibilities for technical and financial solutions.
She decided to take out a loan of US$ 4,125 to construct a drainage system that is 1,550 m in length in order to channel surplus water away. As a result, water savings amounts to 633 m3 per month and that’s equivalent to saving the amount of water required to have around 6,330 baths.
In addition, collected water could be reused by other farms in the downstream lands located down the channel. The drainage is also used as a barricade against debris flows.
“We are grateful for the technical expertise provided by the GEFF team in addressing problems we face at the farm. With this solution, I can now save water and more importantly improve the quality of my crops and sell them for better prices at the market” said Ms. Mengliqulova.
GEFF Tajikistan is supported by the European Union, the Green Climate Fund and South Korea.
GEFF Tajikistan [Agricultural Value Chains] helps Tajik farmers and agribusinesses adopt technology solutions that can enhance competitiveness of the agricultural value chains. The program supports gender activities that aim to enhance women and men’s equal opportunity to access finance for green technologies.