Reducing the energy intensity of lift irrigation schemes of Northern Tajikistan- potential options

Since the 1960 and 1970s, multi-stage pump stations have been widely used in northern Tajikistan in the Syrdarya River midstream to lift water for irrigation. However, the obsolete pump stations often fail to provide a stable water supply and require costly renovation. On the one hand, the high-energy intensity of the water supply negatively affects the sustainable operation of water authorities responsible for running the pump stations. On the other hand, payments for water delivery services are low and do not cover even electricity charges for operation of the pump stations. This results in an unreliable water supply that in turn causes low crop yields and economic losses to farming communities. Currently, the government of Tajikistan and donor agencies have acknowledged the severity of the problem and are looking for potential alternative strategies. Identifying and understanding the water and energy linkages and putting efforts into the resource efficiency improvements could bring win–win outcomes. In this context, this research examines potential alternatives of reducing the energy intensity of the lift irrigation schemes with the purpose of increasing crop production and farmers’ income in northern Tajikistan.

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