Moldova's Water Agency doubles irrigation capacity

As the state-run Moldova's Water Agency intends to double its irrigation capacity next year, companies and farmers are invited to purchase irrigation services for a total area of 100,000 hectares, as opposed to 55,000 hectares in 2008, Info-Prim Neo reports. Sources within the Agency revealed that preparations are now in progress to meet the target for the 2009 irrigation season. Among the works being conducted for this purpose are preparations of the water sources, high pressure piping, dessication channels, and hydrotechnical facilities. At the same time, the pumping stations will be prepared and fixed if needed, the irrigation installations will be inventoried, and water pools will be cleared of silt and mud. To ensure an effective cooperation with its partners, the Agency will conduct a series of zonal and district seminars on irrigation topics destined for farmers and the local authorities. By 2025 the target is to increase the irrigated area to 450,000-500,000 hectares of land.