FINAL REPORT

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MONGOLIA
CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
MOLARE RESEARCH CENTER
FACULTY OF EARTH SCIENCES
DEPT. OF BIOLOGY / KHOVD STATE UNIVERSITY
FINAL REPORT
FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT
OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF LAND AND WATER
IN THE BUYANT RIVER DELTA / KHOVD AIMAG
Project Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Jörg Janzen, CDR / NUM
Prepared for
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Ulaanbaatar
November
2006

EXECUTIVE INSTITUTIONS:
Center for Development Research
MOLARE Research Center
National University of Mongolia
Faculty of Earth Sciences
National University of Mongolia
P.O.Box 46a-616 P.O.Box 337
Ulaanbaatar 210646 / Mongolia Post Office Branch 46
Phone/Fax: 00976-11-329373
Ulaanbaatar / Mongolia
Email: Dr.JörgJanzen@gmx.de Phone / Fax: 00976-11-320159
Janzen-CDR@magicnet.mn
Email: MWaltherUB@web.de
Departments of Human Geography and
Department of Biology
Tourism /Geoecology and Land Management Khovd State University
Faculty of Earth Sciences
National University of Mongolia
P.O.Box 165 Khovd aimag 213500
Post Office Branch 36 Khovd khot 16/4300
Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
Mongolia
Phone / Fax: 00976-11-322822 Phone / Fax: 00976-01-432-2-2038
Email: Already1982@yahoo.com
Email: bayarkhuu2002@yahoo.com
IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD: May –November 2006
STUDY AREAS: Khovd, Buyant, Myangad, and Jargalant sum of Khovd aimag
PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Prof. Dr. Jörg Janzen
RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS:
CDR -Team
MOLARE –Team
Prof. Dr. JörgJanzen
Prof. Dr. Michael Walther
1. A. Ankhtuya (MA) 1. B. Altangerel (BA)
2. Ts. Azgerel (MA) 2. Prof. Dr. D.Dorj
3. G. Bulgan (BA) 3. Ts. Gegeensuvd (MA)
4. Dr.J. Hartwig
5. A. Janarguli
FES–Team
KSU–Team
Dr.V.Battsengel
Dr. S. Bayarkhuu
Prof. Dr. B. Chinbat
1. O. Azjargal (MA) 1. D. Battsetseg (MA)
2. P.Enkhmandakh (MA) 2. B. Tsevelmaa (BA)
3. G. Gantulga (MA)
4. P. Myagmartseren (MA)
Cover photos:
A. Vegetable market of Khovd khot, June 2006 (Photo by J. Janzen)
B. Destroyed Janjin Booltheadwork, July 2006 (Photo by J. Janzen)
C. Typical irrigation channel and potato field, July 2006 (Photo by J. Janzen)
D. Farmer at field work, July 2006 (Photo by J. Janzen)
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Summary
Summary...................................................................................................................7
Map of project area..................................................................................................9
A. Introduction (J. Janzen and J. Hartwig)..........................................................10
1. Statement of Problem and Key-Questions to be answered Objectives of the Study (J.
Hartwig)...........................................................................................................................10
2. Objectives of the Study (J. Janzen)............................................................................10
4. Research Methodology (J. Janzen)........................................................................13
4.4 Expert Interviews..............................................................................................14
4.5 Interviews with Standardized Questionnaires for Farming and Agro-Pastoral
Households...................................................................................................................14
4.6 Visualization of the Spatial Distribution and Structure of Irrigated Farming by
Thematic Mapping, Schemes, and Photos.....................................................................15
B. Cultivation Agriculture on the National Level and in the Western
Periphery of Mongolia (J. Hartwig)......................................................................16
5. Cultivation Agriculture on theNational Level...........................................................16
6. Cultivation Agriculture in Western Mongolia............................................................19
C. Khovd aimag: Present State and Problems of Development and
Cultivation Agriculture -An Overview- (J. Hartwig)..........................................22
7. Socioeconomicand EcologicalBaseline Information of Khovd aimag..................22
8. Cultivation Agriculture in Khovd aimagand in the Buyant River Delta.......................26
(J. Hartwig)......................................................................................................................26
9. WaterUtilization and the Plan to reconstruct Janjin BooltHeadwork (J. Janzen and J.
Hartwig)...........................................................................................................................30
D. Assessment of the Physical and Ecological Environment at the Buyant
River Delta in Jargalant, Khovd, Buyant and Myangad sums / Khovd
aimag (M. Walther, Ts. Gegeensuvd and B. Altangerel; S. Bayarkhuu,
D. Battsetseg, and B. Tsevelmaa)...........................................................................32
10. Physical and Ecological Conditions for Irrigated Agriculture –An Overview-.....32
General Remarks ...................................................................................................32
Investigation Areas.................................................................................................33
10.1 Climatic Setting (M. Walther)...............................................................................34
Climate and Hydrological Development and Conditions between 1983 and
2005 in the Drainage Basin of Buyant Gol............................................................34
Precipitation between 1983 and 2005................................................................................34
Situation of Buyant Gol................................................................................................38
Area 2 (Tawin Gazar, Buyant Sum)..................................................................................44
Results oftheanalysis...................................................................................................45
Area 3 (Khunztin Bulan, Myangad sum)...........................................................................47
Results of Analysis......................................................................................................48
Area 4 (Davshilt negdel ofMyangad sum /Kovd sum).....................................................50
Results of Analysis.......................................................................................................51
Compared to chemical compositions of other areas this area is poor in Carbonate. All the
other values show an average distribution.........................................................................53
Area 5 (Dooddoloo, Khovd sum)......................................................................................54
Results of Chemical Analysis .......................................................................................54
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Area 6 (Tsagaan Khudag, Khovd sum).............................................................................57
Result of Analysis.........................................................................................................58
10.3 Soil Conditions (M. Walther)................................................................................61
Methods of chemical analysis................................................................................61
Preparation of water extract of soil samples......................................................................61
11. Summary of Field Research Results and Sample Analysis (M. Walther)...............86
12. Summary of Field Research and Sample Analysis (S. Bayarkhuu, D. Battsetseg,
and B.Tsevelmaa)............................................................................................................95
E. Livelihood Assessment of the Farming Population in the Buyant River
Delta (J. Janzen, J. Hartwig and A. Ankhtuya; P. Myagmartseren and
P. Enkhmandakh; G. Gantulga and O. Azjargal)................................................96
13. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Khovd sum (J. Janzen,
A. Ankhtuya, and J. Hartwig)...........................................................................................96
13.1.Introduction .........................................................................................................96
13.2 Results of Household Survey..............................................................................100
13.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization .................................100
13.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing ................................................102
13.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution ..........................107
13.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta......109
13.2.5 Important Issues forImproving Crop Farming, Expectations from a
Development Project supporting irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and
Questions asked from the Team ...........................................................................110
13.3 Summary ............................................................................................................111
14. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Myangad sum(J.
Janzen, A. Ankhtuya, and J. Hartwig).............................................................................112
14.1 Introduction........................................................................................................112
14.2 Results of Household Survey..............................................................................115
14.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization.............................115
14.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing ................................................116
14.2.5 ImportantIssues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a
Development Project Supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and
Questions Asked from the Research Team ..........................................................122
14.3 Summary ............................................................................................................123
15. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Buyant sum(P.
Myagmartseren, P. Enkhmandakh, A. Ankhtuya, and J. Hartwig)...................................124
15.1 Introduction........................................................................................................124
15.2 Results of Household Survey..............................................................................127
15.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization .................................127
Out of all surveyed households 81.1% (43) had 4-6 family members, 9.4% (5) had 6-
12, remaining households had less than four members. Most households (92.4% or 49)
had 2-4 children at school age. 88.5% (46) ofthe households had 1-5 unemployed
members, living mainly from agriculture. Apart from crop farmers and
agropastoralists, the survey covered two herder’s households and 11 government
officials and workers. Fig. 74 shows the structure of surveyed households by
nationalities and ethnic groups: The majority belonged to Khalkh and Kazak and the
remaining to Uzbek (Chantuu), Tuva, Myangad, and other ethnicgroups................127
15.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing ................................................129
15.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution ..........................133
15.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta......135
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15.2.5 Important Issues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a
Development Project supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and
Questions asked from the Research Team ...........................................................136
15. 3 Summary ...........................................................................................................137
16. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Jargalant sum (G.
Gantulga, O. Azjargal, and. J. Hartwig)..........................................................................138
16.1 Introduction........................................................................................................138
16.2 Results of Household Survey..............................................................................142
16.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization.............................142
16.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing ................................................143
16.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution ..........................146
16.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta......148
16.2.5 Important Issues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a
Development Project Supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and
Questions asked from the Research Team ...........................................................148
16.3 Summary............................................................................................................149
17. Evaluation ofMarketing Research in the Project Area and the Importance of
Irrigated Agriculture to Improve Livelihoods and reduce Poverty (J. Hartwigand A.
Ankhtuya)......................................................................................................................150
17.1 Organization of Crop Farmers.............................................................................150
17.2 Crop farming for household and market needs....................................................151
17.3 Crop Marketing...................................................................................................152
17.4 Storing of Crops..................................................................................................157
17.5 Crop Processing..................................................................................................157
17.6 Proposals to support Irrigation Agriculture in the Buyant River Delta.................158
17.7 Summary ............................................................................................................159
F. Conclusions and Recommendations (J. Janzen and J. Hartwig)...................162
G. Bibliography....................................................................................................168
H. Annexes............................................................................................................170
5

Research Schedule
The research work has been carried out between April and November 2006 according to the
following time schedule:
April–May:
June–July:
Preparation phase
Main phase of field research
August–September: Evaluation of research data and writing of draft report
October:
November:
Final field trip to Khovd, mapping and discussions with stakeholders
Map production and writing of final report
Note: The heads of the four different research groups are responsible for the scientific
accuracy and quality of the information.
6

Summary
A detailed study about the socioeconomic, physical, ecological, and marketing situation in
irrigated cultivation agriculture of the area of Buyant river delta of Khovd, Buyant, Myangad,
and Jargalant sum was carried out by an interdisciplinary team consisting of scientists from
CDR, MOLARE, and FES of National University of Mongolia and the Dept. of Biology of
Khovd State University. The aim of the research was to find out if the reconstruction of Janjin
Boolt headwork, a dam with a water storage reservoir which has been operating during the
socialist era, would be economically and socially significant, and ecologically not harmful.
The study has shown that small-scale farming, often in combination with mobile livestock
keeping can successfully secure a living for hundreds of families. If the major problem of not
having a sufficient and regular water supply for irrigation could be solved, a main
precondition for a sustainable development of the irrigation agriculture in the Buyant river
delta would be fulfilled.
Research on water availability and quality has proved that there would be enough water of
good quality for an intensification of the existing and the spatial expansion of irrigated
farming. Further more it seems that there will be no significant changes in the ecological
balance of the Buyant river delta area and adjacent Khar Us nuur if the Buyant river water is
managed in suitable manner.
The research results have proved that enough irrigable farmland for further extension is
available in all four investigated sums. The best soils can be found in the northern part of the
delta on Khovd sum territory. As a lot of people, many of them without employment and
poor, of the investigated sums and of Jargalant sum (Khovd khot) in particular, are interested
in taking up irrigated farming the distribution of farmland could considerably contribute to
improve livelihoods of people and reduce poverty in Khovd aimag.
The study has also shown that the existing cultivation is mainly market-oriented with potatoes
being the main crop. In addition also a large variety of vegetables and fruits are cultivated. As
only a very small part of the harvest is processed there is still a large potential for a trade with
processed farming products, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, sea buckthorn etc.
7

Important preconditions for a sustainable development of irrigated agriculture along the lower
reach of Buyant river are the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork, an agreement between
Khovd and Buyant sum about the fair distribution of irrigation water, the foundation of a
neutral “Buyant River Water Authority” which has to control independently all water-related
issues, and the formation of a regional rural development program for the study area. Only a
holistic approach including all relevant social groups and other stakeholders, such as national
and international development agencies already operating in Khovd aimag, can lead to a
sustainable agricultural development.
During the planning and implementation of such a development program activities
should concentrate on a number of important aspects:
Active participation of the population groups involved should already start at an early stage of
planning. The inadequate use of irrigation water has to be improved by more sophisticated
water saving irrigation techniques. Existing water channel user groups should be trained in
better water management. Old irrigation systems have to be rehabilitated and new schemes for
new farmers set up. Users of irrigation water have to take into consideration that enough water
has to reach the adjacent pasture lands in order to satisfy the water needs of the nomads and
their livestock.
A functioning extension service has to be created giving advice to farmers and offering
training courses for more efficient farming practices, management, marketing etc. The
advantages of cooperation, such as the formation of farming cooperatives should be brought
to the attention of farmers. Support for the establishment of small and medium enterprises for
vegetable and fruit processing should be another important issue.
Last not least the environmental conscience of the population has to be improved by
promoting organic farming, teaching methods of soil protection and saving water. The farmers
also need assistance for planting large numbers of trees and bushes as windbreaks and for fruit
production.
It can finally be stated that if crop farming will be improved and extended and new
marketing strategies developed, the Buyant River Delta has the potential to increase its
importance as the major center of vegetable, potato and fruit production for the whole
8

Western Region and to a certain extent even for the big cities of Mongolia and parts of
Russian Siberia.
Map of project area
9

A. Introduction (J. Janzen and J. Hartwig)
1. Statement of Problem and Key-Questions to be answeredObjectives of the Study
(J. Hartwig)
Traditionally, the Buyant River Delta used to be the most important center of cultivation
agriculture in western Mongolia. It is well known for its vegetables and melons, but due to
difficulties caused by the transition to a market economy, crop farming declined significantly
at the beginning of the 1990s. The mechanized state farms and collectives were dissolved,
dams, channels and irrigation systems deceased and farmland became fallow land.
Distribution and marketing channels broke down and many people lost their employment.
Today almost half of the population of Khovd aimag lives in poverty.
Aiming at improving their livelihoods, individual households have started crop farming in
recent years. At present, cultivation agriculture sustains the livelihoods of almost 1,000
households in the Buyant River Delta and several more would like to join them. But further
extension of cultivation agriculture appears impossible at present. Although land resources are
available, these can not be cultivated, mainly due to a lack of irrigation water. Water scarcity
causes serious conflicts between different user groups and the local communities are
searching for solutions.
To improve the current irrigation, cultivation and crop processing and marketing situation, the
following key questions have to be answered:
• What is the present situation of cultivation agriculture in the Buyant River Delta?
• What are the needs and visions of the local population concerning the future
development of land and wateruse?
• What are the ecological, technical and social causes of water scarcity?
• Are sufficient land and water resources available for extension?
• What are the ecological risks of extension of irrigated crop farming?
• What is the present situation of crop marketing and processing, where are the future
market potentials?
2. Objectives of the Study(J. Janzen)
The first objective of this study is to provide detailed scientific information about the present
structure and state as well as recent changes of irrigated cultivation agriculture (including
demographical, economical, social, ethnical, marketing, institutional, legal, historical, as well
10

as physical and ecological information concerning climatic, hydrological, soil related, and
biological conditions) in the lower reach /delta area of Buyant River (Buyant Gol) including
the rural Sums of Khovd, Buyant, and Myangad as well as the urban Sum of Jargalant, mainly
consisting of Khovd khot, the capital of Khovd Aimag with the aim to provide a sound
knowledge of the existing situation, functioning institutions and networks, major problems as
well as development potentials within the irrigated farming sector in the survey area for the
planning and implementation of a future development project(see Map 1).
The second objective is to find out if the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork and the
creation of a water storage basin near Khovd khot can help to solve the existing shortages in
irrigation water in the delta area of Khovd and Buyant sums, and will allow to extend the
irrigable farmland without influencing negatively the ecological balance in Buyant Gol-Delta
area and in Khar-Us lake.
The third objective is to evaluate the existing structure of marketing of the locally produced
crop production, to identify existing crop processing facilities, internal and external marketing
networks, and to look for potential possibilities, partners, and strategies of marketing an
increased crop production which will occur in the future if a rehabilitation and spatial
extension of irrigated agriculture will be implemented with the assistance of a development
project.
The fourth objective is to formulate on the basis of the scientific findings practice-oriented,
politically feasible recommendations of model character for development measures in order to
improve the living and production conditions of the rural and urban farming population thus
contributing to reduce the high level of poverty in Khovd aimag.
3. Theoretical and Conceptual Considerations: The Sustainable Livelihoods
Approach (J. Hartwig)
Aiming at analyzing the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable groups, the Sustainable
Livelihoods Approach (SLA) was developed, particularly by the Institute for Development
Studies (IDS) in Brighton and the Department for International Development (DFID) of the
UK Government. 1 Today, this approach is taken as basis for research, planning, and
1 For detailed Information see www.livelihoods.org
11

implementation by many organizations in the field of development cooperation (Krüger
2003:11).
According to Chambers and Conway (1991:6), a livelihood comprises “the capabilities, assets
[…] and activities required for a means of living“. A livelihood is sustainable, “when it can
cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and
assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base“ (Carney
1998:4). The overall goal of the SLA is the reduction of vulnerability and poverty, based on
sustainable use of livelihood assets. It prioritises policies and institutions 2 that reflect poor
people’s needs and priorities, rather than those of the elite.
Figure 1: Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
Source: www.Livelihoods.org(assessed on 23.08.2006)
The approach is based on a framework which enables to analyze theactors’ assets,options and
restraints (see Fig. 1). The tangible and intangible assets which certain people or groups have
access to, are at the core of the framework. In general, households are taken as analytical unit 3
and research, planning and implementation is based on a participatory approach. The
households have access to certain types of livelihood assets including human, natural,
financial, social and physical capital. In developing countries, many households aren’t able to
survive on just one livelihood activity. Therefore, many households tend to diversify their
strategies, aiming at reducing vulnerability. Access to assets fluctuates due to frequent
changes in the structural, institutional or natural environment. Therefore another crucial part
2 According to Radcliffe-Brown (1940:9) institutions are understood as „standardized patterns of behaviour”.
They comprise formal and informal rules of society.
3 In specific situation it is necessary to consider also gender aspects or the role of social and ethnic groups
(Chambers/Conway 1991:6).
12

of the SLA is the examination of the external vulnerability context (including shocks, trends
and seasonality), as well as the institutional and structural environment. This is comprised by
macro- and microeconomic settings, power relations, formal and informal institutions, laws,
policies, historical and cultural processes and the ecology.
In regard to the study at hand, the SLA is applied as framework to analyze the livelihood
strategies of crop farming households in the Buyant River delta and as guideline to identify
feasible aims, contents and priorities for implementing an SDC project to support irrigation
agriculture and the sustainable use of land and water.
4. Research Methodology (J. Janzen)
4.1 Logistics
The research project was prepared during several meetings in the CDR-office in Ulaanbaatar
and a short reconnaissance trip of the research sub-group leaders to the study area in Khovd
aimag in May 2006. For the field work phase in June and July 2006 an apartment was rented
in Khovd khot, where the whole team was accommodated during most of the research period.
So it was possible to exchange observations, views, and ideas in the evenings after field work.
The Physical Geography-Sub-Group had its base camp in Buyant sum center for most of the
time. The colleagues from Khovd Ikh Surguuli operated from their homes.
In order to save time most of the travelling from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd and back was done by
aero plane. Only for the main field phase at the end of June / beginning of July 2006 a
microbus was used to transport team members and equipment from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd and
back. For the field trips from Khovd khot to the investigated Sums local transport was hired.
In October 2006 a final field trip was carried out by the team leader and his assistant in order
to carry out mapping in the study area based on recently available satellite images as well as
to hold final discussions with the main stakeholders about future development of irrigation
agriculture in the Buyant delta area.
4.2 Evaluation of Literature, Reports, Statistics, and other Sources of Information
Before and during the survey relevant literature, reports, topographic and thematic maps,
statistics and other documents on cultivation agriculture which were available in the
administration offices at Aimag and Sum level (especially in the statistical, land,
environmental, economic, and social office), in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)
13

in Ulaanbaatar, and in different libraries of Ulaanbaatar and Khovd khot (Khovd Ikh Surguuli)
were collected, analyzed and evaluated (see Bibliography).
During the evolution of the statistical data which the team officially got from the Sum and
Aimag administration different figures were provided for the same subject. This shows that
the reliability if statistical data is limited thus statistical data which seemed to be wrong and
were notused.
4.3(Participatory) Observation
During a short preparative trip to the study area in May 2006 the team members observed the
socio-economical, and environmental situation within the four investigated Sums. Based on
these observations a standardized questionnaire was elaborated. During the field work in June
and July 2006 the team members could carry out more detailed participatory observations
within the farming communities. These results have been discussed among the team members
resulting in new questions and suggestions about how to improve irrigation and farming
practices in an ecologically adapted manner resulting in an amelioration of the livelihood of
farming and agro-pastoralist households. An exchange of views has also been carried out with
the representatives of the local administration resulting in fruitful discussions about future
perspectives of irrigated farming.
4.4Expert Interviews
Before and during the fieldwork, research team members have met with Government officials
and experts of the Aimag, Sum, and Bag administration as well as with representatives of the
Khar Us Nuur-National Park Administration and a private hydrological engineering company
(See Annex:List of People Met).
4.5 Interviews with Standardized Questionnaires for Farming and Agro-Pastoral
Households
A standardized questionnaire with a mixture of quantitative and qualitative questions was
used in order to get a detailed insight into the present demographic, socio-economic, ethnical,
marketing, legal, institutional and ecological situation as well as into behaviors and attitudes
of the farming population and their living and production conditions and the impact of their
activities on thenatural environment. Around two hundred interviews were carried out.
14

A separate questionnaire was used to carry out a special market survey in order to get a more
in depth view about the existing market system, internal and external marketing networks, and
potential partners for future development activities. Around twenty special interviews with
crop producers were made.
4.6 Visualization of the Spatial Distribution and Structure of Irrigated Farming by
Thematic Mapping, Schemes, and Photos
In order to make the present situation in the irrigated farming areas of the study Sums more
transparent thematic maps of the spatial distribution and organization of irrigated farming
have been drawn. Most of the maps are based on high resolution IKONOS-Satellite Images
dating from September 18, 2006. As the images could not be delivered earlier than by mid-
October, additional time was needed for a final field trip to Khovd to carry out ground checks
and mapping, and map production had to be done in Ulaanbaatar the delivery of the final
report had to be postponed until the end of November 2006.
In addition to the maps, schemes and diagrams have been complied. A selected number of
photos are included in the report showing important characteristics and views of irrigated
agriculture in the study area.
4.7 Methods to carry out and Evaluate Physical-Geographical, Biological, and Ecological
Research
After identification of five investigation areas soil and water samples were taken in all of
these areas. Additionally all data were collected, which would have been useful for a better
understanding of the hydrological, climatic and edaphic situation. Water samples were tested
by titrimetric test solution in the field. Soil samples were taken in the field distributed
regularly all over the single areas. These samples were analyzed concerning nutrients
(Calcium, Ammonium, and Nitrate, etc.), other elements and heavy metal distribution. The
chemical testing procedures are described in detail in the text. Calculation of the drainage
basin of Buyant Gol was done by standard GIS methods. In order to come to an ecological
evaluation, all hydrological, climatic, edaphic, and geochemical data were taken into account
for the final report.
15

B. Cultivation Agriculture on the National Level and in the Western
Periphery of Mongolia (J. Hartwig)
5. Cultivation Agriculture on the National Level
Mongolia with its vast but sparsely populated territory covers a total area of 1,565,000 square
kilometres. Due to the extreme climatic conditions and the short vegetation period only about
2% (3.5 million ha) of the total area are estimated as suitable for cultivation agriculture
(Barthel 1990:132). Traditionally the Mongolian economy was predominantly based on
mobile animal husbandry and cultivation agriculture played only a supplementary role. 4
After the foundation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1924 and in particular after 1950
the state intensified efforts to expand crop production by establishing state farms (sangiin aj
akhui), fodder crop farms (tejeelin aj akhui) and herders’ cooperatives (negdel). 5 Through
reclaiming virgin lands, through mechanizing farm operations, through introduction of
organic and mineral fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and through developing irrigation
systems, Mongolia fully met domestic demand for cereals, potatoes, vegetables, and
livestock fodder and was even able to export crops until 1989 (GOM 2003:120). During
socialism agricultural machines, as well as advice and expertise in mechanization were
provided mainly by the Soviet Union. In 1989 Mongolia had 837,900 ha of sown land, 80% of
which were used for the production of cereals, 18 % for fodder crops, 1.5% for potatoes and
0.5% for vegetables (NSOM 2004).
Since 1990, with the transition to a market economy, the state farms and cooperatives were
privatized. Due to the lack of management skills and capacity to run the business in the
market economy, due to sharply reduced direct and indirect external and government
support, as well as in consequence of cheap prices for imported crops and groceries,
cultivation agriculture and harvest dropped significantly (see Fig. 2). 6 Additionally droughts
and natural hazards have caused shortfalls, especially in the non-irrigated cultivation
agriculture.
4 However, in some parts of the country, especially in the western region of Khovd, cultivation agriculture
traditionally played an important role for the livelihoods of agro-pastoralists and farmers, who mainly belonged
to the ethnic minorities of that region.
5 In 1980, 75% of the total farmland was cultivated by state and fodder supply farms, the remaining by negdels
(Barthel 1990:135).
6 The total sawn area declined from 837.900 ha in 1989 to 179.900 ha in 2005 (NSOM 2004, NSOM 2006).
16

Cereals Potatoes Vegetables Fodder Crops
900
800
700
Harvest (1.000 t)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
20 00
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Year
Source: NSOM (2004), NSOM (2006)
Figure2:Harvest of Cereals,Vegetables, Potatoes and Fodder Crops in Mongolia (1989-2005)
The most significant decline was observed in the production of cereals. Whereas in 1989 the
total national harvest was 839,000 t, in 2005 it amounted to only 76,000 t. In 2005, Mongolia
imported 97,500 t of wheat and 103,900 t of flour (NSOM 2006:234). Farmers complained
that imported and donated flour was sold for prices below their production costs (UB Post 41/
438 ofOct.14, 2004:4). Although the harvest of vegetables and potatoes did decline as well at
the beginning of the transition period, the decline was less strong compared with cereals. In
2005 the harvest of vegetables (64,000 t) for the first time was higher than the harvest in 1989
(60,000 t). 7 Potatoes are still under their 1989 harvest, with 83,000 t in 2005 compared to
156,000 t in 1989.
According to the “Economic Growth Support and Poverty Reduction Strategy” of the
Mongolian Government, national production of cultivation agriculture in 2001 covered
between 34% and 46% of the domesticdemand (see Tab.1)
7 In 2004 the total harvest of vegetables comprised 49,200 t of which: 13,800 t cabbages, 12,800 t carrots, 11,800
t turnips, 2,000 t cucumbers and 1,700 t onions (http://gate1.pmis.gov.mn/mofa/eng/?leftid=61 of July 30,2006).
17

Crop National Output Domestic Demand Covered
Wheat 150,200 tones 34 percent
Potatoes 58,000 tones 42 percent
Vegetables 44,500 tones 46 percent
Source: GOM (2003:120)
Table 1:NationalOutput and Domestic Demand Covered (2001)
At present, the average foodstuff consumption, especially of vegetables, potatoes and fruits
are still significantlybelow therecommendations (see Tab.2).This shows the strong need for
an increased crop production and supply of the population.
Foodstuff Recommended Consumption (kg/month) 8 Actual Consumption (kg/month)
Flour and flour products
(in flour equivalent)
11.4 9.7
Vegetables 6 1.7
Potatoes 3.6 2.6
Fruits and berries 8.4 0.4
Table 2:Monthly Adult Foodstuffs Consumption, National Average (2002)
Source: GOM (2003:10)
In 1997 the Government of Mongolia approved the “Green Revolution Program”, aiming at
improving the production of vegetables and potatoes and at reducing unemployment and
poverty in rural areas. The mid- and long-term strategy of the Government is to revive crop
production, to increase harvest yields and to support irrigated agriculture, in order to ensure
food security and meet domestic demands (GOM 2003:120ff.).
On the institutional level, the new “Law on Land”, the “Law on Land Ownership for
Mongolian Citizen“ (2003) and the “Law on Cultivation Agriculture” (2004) were
implemented to allow land ownership and possession. According to these laws, Mongolian
households in Ulaanbaatar are entitled to own 0.07 ha of land, in Aimag centers 0.35 ha and in
sum centers 0.5 ha free of charge. Additionally land up to 30 ha for vegetables cultivation and
up to 100 ha for cereal cultivation can be possessed by households on a priority base (Land
Law 29.3)
The laws also provide the possibility to conclude contracts on land lease with legal persons
(mongolian and foreign). In general, land may be leased for a period between 15 and up to 60
8 The recommended consumption is taken from recommendations adopted by resolution Number A/318 of the
Healthand SocialWelfare Minister of 1997 (GOM 2003:9).
18

years with a single extension of up to 40 years (Batsaikhan et al. 2006). The leasing fees are
fixed by the local authorities.
6. Cultivation Agriculture in Western Mongolia
In 2001 the Parliament of Mongolia approved the “Regional Development Concept” 9 .
According to this Concept, Mongolia is divided into fourregions (Western, Khangai, Central,
and Eastern) and the CapitalUlaanbaatar (see Map.2).
Source: Geographical Atlas, 2003
Map 2: The Four Development Regions of Mongolia
The promotion of irrigation agriculture, mobile animal husbandry, and small and medium
enterprises is the priority goal for the development of the western region. It consists of the
aimags Khovd, Uvs, Zavkhan, Govi-Altai and Bayan-Ulgii with a total population of 409,000.
The aimag center of Khovd was chosen as primary center for the region. In 2005 78% of the
regions GDP were earned in the agricultural sector (NSOM 2006:119). However, most of the
products are marketed unprocessed and value adding is low.
9 see http://gate1.pmis.gov.mn/mofa/eng/?leftid=74of July 30,2006
19

Like in whole Mongolia, cultivation agriculture in the western region declined sharply at the
beginning of the transition period. However, although production of cereals continued to
decrease, in recent years the production of vegetables and potatoes increased significantly (see
Fig. 3 to 5). This increase is driven by growing supply from local household businesses and
increasing demand from the settled as well as the mobile population. Within the western
region, in particular Khovd aimag has become a major producer ofvegetables and potatoes. It
produces 41% of the regions potato harvest and 66 % of vegetables harvest. This is mainly
due to the horticultural skills of the local communities who have been traditionally practicing
crop production. In addition, favourable soil and climaticconditions contribute to comparably
high yields.
Harvest (t)
Bayan-Ulgii Govi-Altai Zavkhan Uvs Khovd Total
50 000
45 000
40 000
35 000
30 000
25 000
20 000
15 000
10 000
5 000
0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Year
Figure 3:Monthly Adult Foodstuffs Consumption, National Average (2002)
Source: NSOM (2004), NSOM (2006)
20

Bayan-Ulgii Govi-Altai Zavkhan Uvs Khovd Total
Harvest (t)
18 000
16 000
14 000
12 000
10 000
8 000
6 000
4 000
2 000
0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Year
Source: NSOM (2004), NSOM (2006)
Figure4:Potato Harvest in Western Region (1989-2005)
Harvest (t)
Bayan-Ulgii Govi-Altai Zavkhan Uvs Khovd Total
16 000
14 000
12 000
10 000
8 000
6 000
4 000
2 000
0
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Year
Source: NSOM (2004), NSOM (2006)
Figure 5:VegetablesHarvestin Western Region (1989-2005)
21

C. Khovd aimag: Present State and Problems of Development and
Cultivation Agriculture -An Overview- (J. Hartwig)
7. Socioeconomic and EcologicalBaselineInformation of Khovd aimag
Khovd aimag is one of the biggest provinces of Mongolia. It is located in the western part of
the country and is the economic center of the western aimags. It borders Bayan-Ulgii aimag in
the west, Uvs in the north, Zavkhan in the east and Govi-Altai in the south-east. In the southwest
it has a common border with the Autonomous Region of Xingjiang/ PR China. Khovd
aimag covers about 7.6 million ha of land consisting of desert-steppe, mountain-steppe and
high-mountains of the Altai Mountain Range (see Map 3). There are only afew forests in
Khovd aimag.
The surface of 7.6 million ha consists of 6.577.890 ha of agricultural, mainly pasture land,
33.311 ha are covered by settlements and roads, 16.295 ha are reserved for special use,
644.366 ha is forest area, 255.215 ha are lakes and rivers, and 4.637 ha are kept as reserve
land.
Khovd khot is located at an altitude of 1.405 m at the lower reach of Buyant river, which
originates from the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The distance between Khovd and
Ulaanbaatar is about 1.400 km (Nyamdavaa, G. et al, 2006, p.6).
Map3:GeographicalEcologicalZones of Mongolia
Source: Geographical Atlas, 2003
22

The aimag is divided into 17 sums and 91 bags (NSOM 2006:56). The large majority of the
population of Khovd aimagbelongs to ethnic and nationalminorities (see Tab.3).
Ethnic
Group
Khalkh Zakhchin Kazak Torguud Uriankhai Uuld Durvud Myangad Other
% 27,4 24,9 11,5 8,1 7,6 7,5 6 4,9 2,0
Table 3:Ethnic Groups in Khovd aimag (2000)
Source: Statistics provided byaimagadministration
The absolute aimag population increased significantly in the socialistic period but remains
stable since the beginning of the transition period. The total population of Khovd Aimag
comprised 91.687 inhabitants in 2005 (see Fig.6).
Inhabitants
100 000
90 000
80 000
70 000
60 000
50 000
40 000
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Source: Statistics provided by aimag administration
Figure6:Population of Khovd aimag (1980-2005)
Considering that Mongolia’s population increased by 18% since 1990 (NSOM 2004:35 and
NSOM 2006:69) it can be estimated that net outmigration from Khovd coincides with the
natural increase. In addition many of the rural sums have faced a decline in population while
theaimag center’s population has increased from 24,146 in 1989 to 32,351 in 2005 (Statistics
of Khovd Administration). This means, that more than 30% of the aimag’s population is
concentrated in theaimag center (Jargalant sum).
23

Since the beginning of the transition period, a fundamental restructuring of the economy took
place. The former state farms, negdels and processing facilities were privatized or dissolved
and many of the employees lost their jobs. Thus poverty level has increased dramatically from
almost zero at the end of the socialist period to 45% in 2005 (See Fig.7). According to local
statistics, the poverty level is highest in the aimag center where 56% of all households are
classified as poor or very poor.
Not
Poor
55%
Very
Poor
18%
Poor
27%
Services
20% Agricultu
re
Industry
78%
and
Construct
ion
2%
Source: Statistics provided byaimag administration
Figure 7: Poverty in Khovd aimag (2005)
Source:NSOM (2006)
Figure 8: GDP of Khovd aimag by sectors (2005)
Nowadays the economy is dominated by the agricultural sector which comprises more than
three quarter of the aimag’s GDP. The tertiary sector amounts to 20% and the share of
industry and construction is only 2% (see Fig. 8). 10 In 2004 the latter sector employed less
than 400 workers (Aimag Administration Statistics 2006. Most of the service and remaining
manufacturing activities are located in theaimagcenter. This includes Khovd State University
and a branch of the Agriculture University of Mongolia which is located in Ulaanbaatar.
Mobile livestock herding is the most important livelihood strategy of the former state
employees and negdel members and has increased significantly since the beginning of the
transition period. Today, almost half of the aimags 19.500 households are registered as
herders (NSOM 2006:71, 177) (see Fig. 9).
10 The industrial sector comprises minor foodstuff processing plants (bread, soft drinks, cookies, meat), textile
workshops and two construction materialfactories (brick and concrete) For details see Annex I.
24

Herdsmen Households
Total Households
25 000
20 000
15 000
10 000
5 000
0
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Figure9:Number of Households and Herdsmen Households in Khovd aimag (1989-2005)
Source: NSOM (2004), NSOM (2006)
Camel Horses Cattle Sheep Goat Total
2 500 000
2 000 000
Livestock
1 500 000
1 000 000
500 000
0
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
Year
Source: Statistics provided by theaimag administration
Figure10:Livestock composition in Khovdaimag (1983-2005)
25

However, animal husbandry has become
extremely vulnerable in case of natural
disasters such as drought and “zud”. 11
After 1995 consecutive disasters have
caused a sharp decline of livestock
numbers leaving many herders in a
desperate situation (see Figure 10).
Although in recent years the total number
of livestock recovered significantly on the
aimag level, the herder’s households did
not equally profit from this increase: In
2005, 46 % of households who possessed
livestock had less than 100 animals (see
Figure 11). This number is estimated as
the minimum requirement to escape
poverty.
Another problematic development is the
Households
3 500
3 000
2 500
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
0
0-50 50-
100
100-
200
200-
500
500-
1000
>
1000
Number of livestock per household
Source: Statistics provided by aimag administration
Figure 11: Herds Size among Livestock Owning
Households
sharp increase of goats, driven by the rising demand for cashmere (see Figure 10). In
combination with reduced mobility of herders, goats are contributing significantly to the
degradation of pasture land (seeJanzen / Bazargur 1999:55/, 2003:54-56).
8. Cultivation Agriculture in Khovdaimag and in the Buyant River Delta
(J. Hartwig)
Cultivation agriculture has a long lasting tradition in Khovd dating back to pre-socialist times
when it was mainly practised by national and ethnic minorities.
During socialism, two foddercrop state farms were established 12 ; together with the cultivation
agricultural brigades 13 of the negdels up to 10,000 ha farmland was cultivated in Khovd aimag
each year. The majority of the farmland was used for cereal and livestock fodder production.
Due to the arid climate, all fields had to be irrigated by the streams and rivers that originate in
the Altai Mountains and run to the endorheic basins. About 30-40% of the aimag’s farmland
was located in Buyant and Khovd sum, in the Delta of the Buyant River. Besides cereal,
11 The term “zud” refers to food scarcity of men and livestock caused by drought, heavy snowfall, freezing rain
orstrong frost.
12 One fodder crop farm was established inBuyant Sumand another in Erdeneburen sum.
13 The term “brigade” was used in socialism for the negdel’s work units.
26

livestock fodder, and potato cultivation, these sums were famous for their melons, onions and
garlic. These fruits and vegetables were transported as far as Ulaanbaatar as airfreight or by
trucks.
In socialism there was hardly any crop cultivation in Myangad and Jargalant sum, however
the Davshilt negdel of Myangad sum cultivated about 200-250 ha of farmland in the northern
territory of Khovd sum. 14 According to statistics provided by the aimag administration, in the
1980s about 1,000 to 1,500 ha were cultivated each year on the territory of Khovd sum and
1,500 to 2,000 ha in Buyant sum (Aimag Administration Statistics 2006 / see Photo 1 and
Khovd and Myangad Sums
Jargalant Sum*
Buyant Sum
Buyant River Delta total
4 000
3 500
3 000
Sown Area (ha)
2 500
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
(*no reliable data available for Jargalant sum before 2003)
Source: Statistics provided by aimag and sum administrations
Figure12: Sown Area in the Buyant River Delta (1980-2005)
Fig.12).
In the 1980s, the irrigation system at the Buyant River Delta was modernized with support
from the Soviet Union. In order to regulate the water distribution of Buyant River and to build
a water reservoir, the headwork “Janjin Boolt” was constructed. Commencing from there,
more than 20 kilometres of steel water pipelines were laid below the surface, supplying the
Ulaanburaa and Davshilt brigade (Khovd sum) with water for irrigation. Furthermore Soviet
irrigation equipment was installed to irrigate the fields (see Photo 2).
14 For this reason the following statistics show the combined data of Khovd and Myangad sums.
27

Photo 1: Watermelons
Source: www.pmis.gov.mn/hovd
Photo 2: Crop Irrigation
Source: (Plate 10)
At the beginning of the transition period, the fodder farms and negdels were dissolved and the
irrigation facilitier privatised. Due to the collapse of marketing and supply channels, external
support, and insufficient experience of the individual crop farmers, cultivation agriculture
declined significantly until the mid of the 1990s (see Fig.13).
Vegetable Potatoes Cereals Fodder Crops Total
4 000
3 500
3 000
Sown Area (ha)
2 500
2 000
1 500
1 000
500
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Source: Statistics provided by aimag and sum administrations
Figure13: Sown Area of different Crops in the Buyant River Delta (1980-2005)
28

Since the mid 1990s, local residents started to plant crops in the Buyant River Delta for
household and market needs. In 2005, 925 households were registered as crop farmers in
Buyant, Khovd, Myangad and Jargalant sum (Statistics provided by sum and aimag
administrations). 15 For these households, cultivation agriculture has become the main source
of subsistence and income, being an essential part of their livelihood strategy. While the
cultivation of cereals and fodder crops did not yet recover, the cultivation of vegetables and
potatoes increased year by year (see Fig. 13).
The land laws which were enacted in 2003 and 2004 were important provisions in order to
guarantee access to farmland and property rights. However access to irrigation water has
become the most critical issue during recent years. Even though the sown area in the Buyant
River Delta still is much less than in the socialist period, water has become scarce and
conflicts related to water distribution are increasing. The main reasons are:
- No more water management: Inefficient channels with much water being lost,
inefficient flooding techniques, no water saving irrigation methods
- Destruction of Janjin Boolt and connected pipelines
- Rising demand for water in the aimag center (Jargalant sum) where population has
increased significantly since 1990 and where at lot of water is vasted through leaking
water pipes
- Decrease of BuyantRiver water run-off (at least in the downstream areas)
- Increasing temperatures and evapotranspiration in the vegetation period leads to
increased need for irrigation
- Extension of cultivation of irrigation intensive vegetables
15 According to statistics provided by the aimag administration, in 2005 in total 1,705 households were registered
in Khovd Aimag as crop farmers. More than half of them cultivated in the Buyant River Delta. Another
important area of irrigation is Bulgan Sum in the south of Khovd Aimag.
29

9. Water Utilization and the Plan to reconstruct Janjin Boolt Headwork (J. Janzen
and J.Hartwig)
After the dissolution of the negdels and the fodder farm in the Buyant River Delta, the Janjin
Boolt headwork went out of useand decayed (see Photo 3). The irrigation plants and pipelines
were privatised and, according to the local population, sold by the new owners -mainly as
scrap metal to China. Even today there are still pipelines digged out and sold (see Photo 4).
30

In recent years, access to irrigation water has become the most critical issue limiting further
expansion of crop farming in the Buyant River Delta. Even though the sown area is much less
today than in the socialist period, irrigation water has become scarce. The main reasons are:
• no more water management: inefficient channels and ditches with much water being
lost and wastefulflooding techniques (see Photos 5-8)
• decay of Janjin Booltheadwork, no more storage of water in times of abundance
• rising demand for water in the aimag center (Jargalant sum) where population has
increased significantly since 1990; on the territory of Jargalant sum, new channels to
irrigate tree plantations and farmland have been built upstream at Bugat Uzuur,
leading to a decrease of Buyant River water run-off downstream
• decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures and evapotranspiration in the
vegetation period leads to increased irrigation need
• extension of cultivation of irrigation intensive vegetables (see Tab. 4)
Crop
Amount of irrigation
Onions 3-4
Garlic 3-4
Cereals 4
Carrots 4-5
Turnip 4-5
Potatoes 5-6
Cabbage 10
Cucumbers 10
Tomatoes 10
Melons 15
Table 4:Frequency of Crop Irrigation
Source: Survey results June 2006
Farmers from Khovd sum complain that since there is not anymore organized water
distribution and retention at the Janjin Boolt headwork, at least 70% of the water runs to
Photo by J. Janzen, October 2006
Photo 9: Janjin Boolt under Reconstruction, October
2006
Buyant sum, although at present more
farmland is cultivated in Khovd sum
than in Buyant sum. According to
Khovd sum’s farmers, before the decay
of the headwork, the distribution of
water was equal. But farmers and the
administration from Buyant sum are
reluctant to agree to an equal
distribution of water. During cultivation
31

season, frequent violent conflicts between farmers in the Buyant River Delta appear.
Furthermore, conflicts between crop farmers and herders, who use the water to irrigate
hayfields or need water for livestock, areincreasing as well.
In addition there are many impoverished households in the four sums who would like to take
up irrigated farming, if they gain access to land and water and in Buyant sum a Chinese
investor has signed a contract to cultivate up to 500 ha for cereal cultivation. Thus, water
scarcity and conflicts are expected to rise, if no measures to use, store and distribute water
resources efficiently are implemented and fair access to land and water is guaranteed.
As the scientific results of the research on irrigation agriculture in the Buyant river delta
support a rehabilitation of Janjin Boolt headwork the aimag administration has already started
to rebuild Janjin Boolt headwork with money received from the state budget in Ulaanbaatar.
It is expected that the storage of irrigation water and its four distribution to Khovd and Buyant
sum can already start in spring2007 (see Photo 9).
D. Assessment of the Physical and Ecological Environment at the Buyant
River Delta in Jargalant, Khovd, Buyant and Myangad sums / Khovd
aimag (M. Walther, Ts. Gegeensuvd and B. Altangerel; S. Bayarkhuu,
D. Battsetseg, and B. Tsevelmaa)
10. Physical and Ecological Conditions for Irrigated Agriculture –An Overview-
General Remarks
32

This part of the study aims to describe and analyze the ecological situation of five
investigation areas and should check the ecological conditions for farming by irrigation with
water from Khovd Gol. So this part of the study is mainly focused on the water and the soil
situation in the suggested areas and tries to make clear, how the possibilities are to be
evaluated from the point of view of environmental load and reaction.
The drainage basin of Buyant Gol covers an area of 2.425 km 2 . Glaciers are part of it.
Map4: Drainage Basin of Buyant Golwith InvestigationArea
Investigation Areas
Five investigation areas have been suggested mostly for rehabilitation of former farm land on
the alluvial fan of Buyant Gol north of the city of Khovd. Two areas belong to Myangad sum,
two to Khovd sum and one to Buyant sum. The areas had been selected by a group of sum
governors, land officers, engineers and land owners. Coordinates of the different
investigations areas (see Map.5) were taken by GPS.
The Buyant Gol delta is a huge alluvial fan, which pushed the Khovd Gol to the northern side
of Khovd Gol valley. Both rivers are tributary to the Khar Us Nuur.
33

Map5: Location of the Investigation Areas.
10.1 Climatic Setting (M. Walther)
Climate and Hydrological Development and Conditions between 1983 and 2005 in the
Drainage Basin of Buyant Gol
The climate and hydrological data have been collected by the Meteorological and
Hydrological Station of Khovd branch of the Agricultural University of Mongolia. Climate
data are measured directly beside the station, whereas the hydrological data are taken from
three different stations along Buyant Gol during three measuring periods (1967 -1992 10 km
upstream of Jargalant, 1993 -1997 5 km upstream of Jargalant and since 1998 a few 100 m
upstream of the Buyant Gol Bridge in Jargalant).
Precipitation between 1983 and 2005
Based on the data of the Meteorological and Hydrological Station of Khovd Branch Institute
of the Agricultural University of Mongolia it is possible to analyze the period between 1983
and 2005. According to Fig.14 June and July precipitation has decreases, whereas the figures
for August show an increase of monthly averages. The mean annual precipitation calculated
for the period between 1983 and 2005 is 132 mm (Fig.15) and shows a negative trend of
decreasing precipitation. Especially between 1996 and 2002 a very dry period is visible
34

(Figure 15 and 16). The river run-off of Buyant Gol reaches its highest amount since 1967 in
1998, what has to be interpreted to be due to in a hot summer with melting glaciers in the
Altai Mountains. In 1998 the July and August average temperature (Fig. 17 and 18) was very
high (due to a hot summer) and we have had moderate January and relatively warm February
temperatures (see Fig.19). That means, that a dramatic and shortterm warming leads to a high
amount of river run-off and in consequence to a large offer of irrigation water. In order to
react on such events, it would be most suitable to store the surplus water in a reservoir behind
a headwork.
mm
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
June average precipitation. July average pre. August precip.)
Linear (June average precip.) Linear (July average precip.) Linear (August precip.)
Source:Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure14: Summer(June-August) average Precipitation between 1983 and 2005 (June and July drier,
Augustwetter / accord. to Meteorological Survey Station Khovd)
mm
250,00
200,00
150,00
100,00
50,00
0,00
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 19971998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Annual average precip. years
Linear (Annual average precip.)
Source: Institute fora climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 15: Annual average Precipitation between 1983 and 2005 (Since 20 years drier / accord. to
Meteorological Survey Station Khovd)
Air temperatures between 1983 and 2005
35

In general the mean annual temperature has risen by around 3.5° C between 1983 and 2005.
This has to be considered as a tremendous increase. It has to be calculated that the
evapotranspiration has risen as well. Slightly increasing temperatures of winter and summer
months lead to this effect. At the moment an evapotranspiration of only around 56 mm based
on the values of the whole drainage basin of Buyant Gol can be calculated. The first reason
for this relativly small amount is the large area of the high mountain region of the drainage
basin and secondly the fact that one has to calculate an uncertain amount of melted glacier
water in the Buyant Gol (see Fig. 16-20).
mm
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
-60
-80
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 199
7
years
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Wet and Dry Years
Source:Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 16: Wet and Dry years between 1983 and 2005 (dry periodbetween 1996 and 2002 / accord. to
Meteorological Survey Station Khovd)
mm
60
50
Different Stations
I 1998 II III
40
30
20
10
1989
2003
0
1979198019811982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000 200120022003
years
Q max Q min Q average Linear (Q max) Linear (Q average) Linear (Q min)
Source:Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 17: Buyant River Discharge Amount between 1967 and 2003 as Indicator for Climate Change in
the Drainage Basin of Buyant Gol /accord. to Meteorological Survey Station Khovd)
36

0 C
4,00
3,00
2,00
1,00
0,00
-1,001983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
-2,00
-3,00
-4,00
-5,00
Annual Average
Linear (Annual Average)
Source: Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 18: Increasing mean annual Air Temperature between 1983 and 2005 (3.5°C in 22 years / accord.
toMeteorological Survey Station Khovd)
0 C
25
20
15
10
5
0
19831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
August average July average Linear (July average) Linear (August average)
Source: Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 19: Summer average Temperature (July, August) between 1983 and 2005 (gently increasing Air
Temperatures) / accord. toMeteorologicalSurveyStationKhovd)
37

0 C
0
19831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35
years
January Ave.Temp T February Ave.Temp Linear (February Ave.Temp) Linear (January Ave. Temp)
Source: Institute for a climate and water studies of Khovd aimag, July 2006
Figure 20: Winter (January, February) average Temperatures between 1983 and 2005 (the winters
become gently warmer / accord. to Meteorological SurveyStation Khovd)
10.2 Hydrological Conditions (M. Walther)
Situation of Buyant Gol
Since regular measurements of Buyant River water flow were take. Ther station has been
used. Station 1 was located around 10 km upstream of the Aimag capital and has been used
between 1967 and 1992, station 2 was located around 5 km upstream of Khovd city and
worked between 1993 and 1997 and the actual station is point 3 near the bridge crossing
Buyant Gol near Khovd City (see Map 6).
Map6: Location of the three measuring Stations of Buyant Gol near Khovd City
38

Sampling direction
Map7: Catchment Area andLocation of Water Sampling Points in June 2006
39

NH4 distribution
Fe distribution
Values
1,4
1,2
1
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
Values
0,16
0,14
0,12
0,1
0,08
0,06
0,04
0,02
0
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
Months
NH4 NH 4
Fe
Fe
NO2 distribution
NO3 distribution
0,045
0,9
0,04
0,8
0,035
0,7
0,03
0,6
Values
0,025
0,02
Values
0,5
0,4
0,015
0,3
0,01
0,2
0,005
0,1
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
Months
NO2
NO2
NO3
NO3
Mg distribution
P distribution
12
0,2
0,18
10
0,16
8
0,14
Values
6
4
Values
0,12
0,1
0,08
0,06
2
0,04
0,02
0
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
Months
Mg
Mg
P
P
Figure 21: Chemical Composition (NH 4 ,Fe,NO 2 , NO 3 , P and Mg) of Buyant Gol Water(near Jargalant)
in the Years 2004 (green line) and 2005 (blue line) between April and November of each year
(accord. to Meteorological SurveyStation Khovd)
The chemical composition of the river water measured by the Hydrological Survey Station of
the Khovd Branch of the Agricultural University of Mongolia (Figures 21 and 22) does not
show any inhomogenities or pollution, which hint to any water load.
25 water samples, taken in June 2006 during the field work, have been sorted from the
upstream part of Buyant Gol (in the first Mountain range of Altai Mountains) passing
Jargalant and then mainly taken from the projected areas. The last three samples (23 -25)
have been taken from the sewage channel, which leads from the Jargalant sewage plant to the
Buyant Gol. Here the water is hyper polluted, however, a lot of it is seeping into the
40

groundwater, because of an open channel system. The other nutrient values are nearly 0 or in
Ce distribution
SO4 distribution
14
50
12
45
40
10
35
Values
8
6
Values
30
25
20
4
15
10
2
5
0
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
Months
Ce
Ce
SO4
SO4
HCO3 distribution
Ca distribution
120
35
100
30
25
80
60
Values
20
15
40
10
20
5
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
HCO3
HCO3
Ca
Ca
NH2 distribution
O2 distribution
5
12
4,5
4
10
Values
3,5
3
2,5
2
1,5
Values
8
6
4
1
2
0,5
0
0
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Months
Months
NH 2
NH2
O2
O2
Figure 22: Chemical Composition (CE, HCO 3 , NH 4 , SO 4 , Ca and O 2 ) of Buyant Gol Water in the Years
2004 (green line) and 2005 (blue line) between April and November of each year measured near
Jargalant(after Meteorological Survey Khovd station)
a very moderate spectrum. The water for the irrigation areas is absolute in a good quality and
can be used for agricultural use.
Another problem is the discharge amount of Buyant Gol river water. As pointed before, the
discharge amount is determined by the annual thermal regime of the high mountains of the
drainage basin. In any case the water does not reach the Khovd Gol, which already had been
described by MURZAJEW during the fourties. Based on the data between 1967 and 2003 it is
calculated an average discharge of 5.9 m3/sec, what means an annual discharge amount of
186 mill.m 3 /year. Concerning the drainage basin the figures show a discharge amount is 13
m 3 /y/m 2 . The maximum discharge amount is 9.99 m 3 /sec, the mimimum discharge amount is
3.33 m 3 /sec. It has to be taken into acount, that the position of the measure station has been
41

changed for three times, so that we can assume that there is a complete different measuring
situation. Values like the maximum discharge are not reliable.
Calculate the discharge amount related to the drainage basin there is a precipitation of 76 mm
in the catchment area of Buyant Gol. That means that we have an evaporation rate of around
56 mm concerning the complete drainage basin. Compared with other relation this seems to
be very low for a semiarid or arid region with around 132 mm precipitation in one year. The
high amount of mountainous relief of the catchment area is one of the reasons for this,
secondly the melt off offourglacier systems are tributary to Buyant Gol.
42

Sewage plant channel
Sewage plant channel
Figure23: Chemistry of Water Samples taken in June 2006 (Location of Samples see Map 7)
43

Area 2 (Tawin Gazar, Buyant Sum)
The Area 2 is located 6, 2 km east of Buyant Sum center and was used for vegetables
cultivation in former times. The projected area (Tawin Gazar) has a length of 4550 m and a
width of 1100 m (500.5 m 2 ). Old and hardly visible irrigation channels and natural small river
beds, which are flooded episodically, are passing the whole area. Different pebble fans can be
distinguished in this area as well. The micro relief is very variable with height differences of
up to 1.2 m. The inclination is 0.5 %.
The soil type is an extreme dry Brown Soilwith a high amount of skeleton of coarse pebbles.
The total area is very heterogeneous in the surface coverage, however mostly highly
compacted, that means you have to calculate with extreme slow sickering of water or a high
amount of surface runoff. Areas of Caragana stands seem to be not cultivated anytime. In the
eastern part the soil seems to be developed on a former lake bottom, which means a high
carbonatic compacted underground. Sample No 068 and 069 was an extreme pebble rich
compacted brown soil.
Map8: InvestigationArea 2: Tawin Gazar, Buyant Sum
44

Results of the analysis
The position of the samples, identifiable by the coordinates and shown in the detailed map of
every investigation area, and the results of the chemical soil composition are listed at the
beginning of the specific chapter for each investigated area.
In area twenty five samples have been taken and ten were selected for chemical soil analysis.
IDENT LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALT Remarks
16 481.556.871 918.363.027 1232 points given by the Projekt
17 481.534.493 918.998.165 1205 "
18 481.602.638 919.004.849 1195 "
19 481.687.614 918.418.107 1219 "
50 481.569.784 918.365.624 1225
51 481.582.300 918.371.466 1228
52 481.586.038 918.374.395 1226
53 481.595.233 918.404.106 1223 differentiation in surface pebbles and no pebbles
54 481.605.305 918.447.558 1220
55 481.615.610 918.490.737 1220 close to the old Irrigation channel
56 481.626.187 918.556.319 1217 passed old irregation channel
57 481.617.494 918.620.459 1213 no pebbles,soil muddy, growing of Carex
58 481.617.103 918.654.612 1213 Grave (not sampled)
59 481.610.423 918.664.620 1213 Grave (not sampled)
60 481.608.189 918.680.101 1212
61 481.599.685 918.758.714 1208 surface pebbles, located near the track
62 481.594.853 918.796.828 1207 Grave (not sampled)
63 481.596.297 918.843.172 1202
sandy silty soil, surface small pebbles, growing of
Potentilla
64 481.594.624 918.913.572 1199 growing of Caragana
65 481.595.984 918.987.075 1198 surface small pebbles, growing of Artemisia
66 481.560.201 918.986.044 1198 vegetation cover 25%
67 481.557.518 918.912.189 1202 sandy silty humus soil
68 481.569.900 918.846.566 1205 corse pebbles, rocky alluvial fan and rich of skeleton
69 481.549.226 918.752.717 1209 corse pebbles,rocky alluvial fan and rich of skeleton
70 481.586.757 918.666.115 1214 sandy soil, growing of Potentilla
71 481.592.753 918.620.286 1215 surface gravel fans
72 481.591.911 918.553.109 1218 growing of Artemisia
73 481.587.325 918.482.272 1222 growingof Artemisia
74 481.605.136 918.384.103 1228 close to the track and rich of skeleton
75 481.654.674 918.401.241 1224
eolian shit no pebbles, sandy silty soil, growing of
Carex
SUM 481.754.113 918.412.230 1224
Table 5:Sample Table of Area 2 (23 Samples)
45

Moisture Organic
N, ppm
P, ppm
component
ammonia nitrate
Sample pH % %
1 052 7.16 1.188 6.057 15.7 35.8 57.1
2 053 6.70 1.149 7.027 8.2 117.7 187.6
3 057 6.70 1.843 7.046 67.7 84.4 134.5
4 060 5.65 1.623 0.583 8.2 202.7 323.1
5 061 7.30 0.723 1.020 45.4 63.1 100.6
6 064 7.83 1.745 1.107 8.2 418.2 666.5
7 066 6.68 2.127 0.674 8.2 151.1 240.8
8 071 7.80 1.667 1.863 8.2 90.4 144.1
9 072 7.00 1.128 0.877 8.2 78.3 124.8
10 075 7.60 0.652 0.878 178.5 154.2 245.8
Sample
-
HCO 3
Anions, mg –eq./100g
CO 3
2-
Cations, mg –eq./100g Mineralization
Cl - 2-
SO 4 Ca 2+ Mg 2+ Na + +K + ppm
1 052 0.00 0.40 0.20 0.826 0.075 0.075 0.576 454.04
2 053 0.00 0.20 0.15 0.153 0.050 0.075 0.378 322.87
3 057 0.00 0.15 0.20 0.048 0.050 0.050 0.298 247.42
4 060 0.00 0.35 0.25 0.431 0.080 0.070 0.981 729.14
5 061 0.00 0.50 0.20 0.179 0.100 0.050 0.729 558.91
6 064 0.00 0.60 0.10 0.570 0.075 0.025 1.170 869.8
7 066 0.00 0.15 0.20 0.013 0.035 0.040 0.288 223.32
8 071 0.00 0.70 0.25 0.571 0.100 0.100 1.321 1014.34
9 072 0.00 0.25 0.15 0.152 0.030 0.035 0.487 362.38
10 075 0.00 0.15 0.10 0.370 0.100 0.065 0.555 457.95
Table 6:Chemical Soil Composition of Area 2
Sample Zn Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
1 2-053 113.84 22.00 282.38 24600

Three samples show a high content of organic matter. However these samples are located at
the western border of the investigation area, bordering a nowadays used farm land. The same
is true to sample 75 with a high amount of phosphorus.
Area 3 (Khunztin Bulan, Myangad sum)
Area 3 is located 16 km north east of Buyant sum or 3, 5 km south east of Myangad sum
inside an oxbow of Khovd Gol (see Fig. 24) located. There already are cultivated potatoes,
onions and cabbage on an very suitable soil for agricultural usage. The area to be extended is
located along the river bank and in the more backward located a little bit higher niveaus of
Khovd Gol.
Khovd Gol carries a lot of water all over the year, so enough irrigation water is always
available. From the point of soil fertility there is no problem to extend the cultivation area.
Twenty onesoils and three water samples were taken for analysis (see Tab. 8). The soil inside
the old river beds, which mostly is already cultivated contains of sandy silt with a clay content
of ca. 10 %, which makes the soil very loamy. Higher sand banks accompanying the old river
beds have a top layes with aeolian sand and Achnatherum, whereas in the old river beds an
Iris and Potentilla meadow is widely spread. That is caused by different edaphical factors.
If the project aims to support areas with irrigation problems, this area can be excluded
because it has no water and, soil problems and is not suitable for “Widder”-pump installation.
From the point of nature protection the area contains fresh stands of Orchidaceae (Orchis
maculata). There are included in the Red Book of Mongolia.
47

Figure 24:Investigation Area 3: Khunztin Bulan, Myangad sum
Results of Analysis
13 samples have been taken in this area. 10 samples have been analyzed in the chemical
composition and their heavy metal content.
IDNT LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALT Remarks
76 482.178.171 919.679.980 1175 very wet sandy silty humus soil, Ranunculus and Carex
77 482.173.864 919.676.383 1171 drier sandy silt soil, Achnatherum stands
78 482.173.115 919.682.397 1171 silty gley soiltype, Potentilla and Carex
Less wet sandy silt soil type, more growing of Iris and
79 482.174.694 919.692.928 1174 Achnatherum
80 482.176.196 919.704.754 1172 dry sandy silt soil, Achnatherum and Iris
River bank, dry sandy silt soil, more Achnatherum
81 482.172.805 919.710.861 1175 stands
Iris and Potentilla meadow, silty gley soil, Orchis
82 482.159.616 919.690.717 1172 maculata
48

83 482.162.349 919.666.361 1171 Iris and Potentilla meadow, silty gley soil
84 482.165.325 919.646.909 1171
Old riverbBank, sandy silt soil, Iris, Carex and
Ranunculus
85 482.170.501 919.644.377 1171
gravel beds of the river, soil is sandy with gravels,
vegetation cover

Sam Area Zn Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
6 3-077 64.76 23.80 315.16 18300

Figure 25:Investigation Area 4:Davshilt negdel of Myangad sum
Results of Analysis
Area four in total twenty one samples have been taken. The chemical soil composition and
heavy metal content has been analyzed with 15 samples.
IDNT LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALT Remarks
WATER 8 481.702.941 917.787.995 1253 Water sample 8
WATER 7 482.267.889 918.111.787 1215 Water sample 7
X1 482.340.451 918.235.046 1206 Distance between A11 and x1 = 432,7 m (= 0,52 %
A11 482.367.426 918.264.842 1205 inclination)
89 482.306.738 918.271.664 1207
old cultivation field, silty sand with pebbles, vegetation
cover 25%,
90 482.331.637 918.269.402 1207 silty sand soil, vegetation cover 15%,
91 482.349.111 918.269.614 1201
silty sand, deflated small gravels surface, vegetation
cover

94 482.372.489 918.263.637 1205 silty sand soil, vegetation cover 10%, Gramineae
95 482.373.120 918.267.046 1208 silty sand vegetation cover

10 110 6.45 1.202 1.156 15.6 29.2 46.54
Sample
Anions, mg–eq./100g
HCO 3
-
CO 3
2-
Cl - SO 4
2-
Cations, mg–eq./100g Mineral
Ca 2+ Mg 2+ Na + +K + ppm
1 089 0.00 0.075 0.15 0.135 0.025 0.075 0.260 235.15
2 091 0.00 0.10 0.175 0.414 0.050 0.050 0.589 489.43
3 093 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.414 0.060 0.030 0.624 508.76
4 095 0.00 0.125 0.25 0.457 0.050 0.100 0.682 579.03
5 096 0.00 0.125 0.20 0.031 0.025 0.225 0.106 188.24
6 097 0.00 0.15 0.30 0.501 0.040 0.020 0.891 678.59
7 103 0.00 0.20 0.175 0.849 0.050 0.150 1.029 876.63
8 104 0.00 0.05 0.20 0.144 0.025 0.000 0.369 274.51
9 107 0.00 0.15 0.25 0.658 0.050 0.050 0.958 762.57
10 110 0.00 0.30 0.20 0.144 0.050 0.025 0.569 419.51
Table 12: The Chemical Composition of Area 4
Sam Area Zn Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
11 4-090 97.90 23.40 370.98 24800

Area 5 (Dooddoloo, Khovd sum)
Area 5 is located between the areas 6 and 4 and is bordered to actually cultivated potato acres.
Figure 26: Investigation Area 5: Dooddoloo, Khovd sum
Results of Chemical Analysis
In total 22 samples have been taken in this area. 15 samples have been analyzed to identify the
chemical soil composition and heavy metals deposition.
Ident. Nr. LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALT Remarks
WATER 9 482.161.042 917.788.109 1226 Water sample 9
111 482.221.619 917.793.273 1228 S(u) deflated surface
S(u) vegetation cover 15%, growing of
112 482.219.882 917.802.062 1227 Chenopodium
54

113 482.217.440 917.812.501 1224 S(u), Caragana field, vegetation cover 25%
114 482.218.537 917.819.173 1225
S(u), surface pebbles, vegetation cover

Moisture
Organic
component
Sample pH % % P, ppm
N, ppm
ammonia
nitrate
1 112 6.80 2.193 0.936 26.8 145.0 231.1
2 113 7.40 0.994 0.126 157.0 93.5 149.0
3 116 6.65 0.771 0.706 105.0 63.1 100.6
4 119 6.90 1.724 0.231 45.4 32.8 52.3
5 120 9.05 1.110 0.735 45.4 87.4 139.3
6 124 7.65 0.861 0.416 8.2 200.0 318.8
7 126 6.95 1.240 1.095 38.0 115.0 183.3
8 128 7.65 2.784 0.437 38.0 154.0 245.4
9 131 6.90 1.275 0.298 34.3 185.0 294.8
10 132 6.60 1.518 0.623 49.1 118.0 188.1
¹ Sample
Anions, mg –eq./100g
HCO 3
-
CO 3
2-
Cl - SO 4
2-
Cations, mg–eq./100g Mineral
Ca 2+ Mg 2+ Na + +K + ppm
1 112 0.00 0.40 0.40 0.083 0.020 0.065 0.798 561.02
2 113 0.00 0.60 0.40 1.546 0.015 0.035 2.496 1845.04
3 116 0.00 0.30 0.50 0.274 0.050 0.150 0.874 697.96
4 119 0.00 0.30 0.40 0.109 0.060 0.040 0.709 520.91
5 120 0.00 0.40 0.20 0.100 0.050 0.050 0.600 441.00
6 124 0.00 0.70 0.20 0.571 0.050 0.150 1.271 977.09
7 126 0.00 0.50 0.60 0.092 0.045 0.070 1.078 758.74
8 128 0.00 0.50 0.55 0.170 0.025 0.075 2.650 1262.35
9 131 0.00 0.26 0.25 0.571 0.030 0.045 1.006 764.09
10 132 0.00 0.50 0.15 0.335 0.050 0.025 0.910 659.15
Table 15: The Chemical Composition of Area 5
Sam Area ZN Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
16 5-112 152.36 20.00 297.85 27900

For the evaluation of the chemical data seethe general comment.
Area 6 (TsagaanKhudag, Khovd sum)
This area has formerly already been agricultural usage and it is planned to recultivate it for
vegetables production. It is located 3 km north of the Bag Center of Ulaanburaa and is called
Tsagaan Khudag. In continuation of old water tubes and recently cultivated fields mostly used
for potato production this area has an extension nearly 1000 x 350 m. The old irrigation
system is clearly visible, what additionally is documented by two distribution points for water.
In the old fields you can find a well developed brown soil, which was well moistured during
the time when taking the samples. The surface is deflated and covered by pebbles; however
the soil type is a silty sand with high capacity of water storage, without being too compact for
water drainage. The projected field has an inclination of 0, 6 %, which reduces the danger of
saltification, because the water can pass the field by natural inclination. On the east side the
field is bordered by an extended area of Caragana with small aeolian sand deposits.
21 samples have been taken (see Table 17).
57

Figure 27:Investigation Area 6:TsagaanKhudag Khovd Sum
Sample 47 and 48 are underlined by carbonatic compacted silty sands, which could be born by
standing water. Normally all samples have been taken 10 cm below the surface.
Result of Analysis
21 samples had been taken in that area. 15 samples had been analyzed for the chemical
composition and the soil components.
58

IDENT. LATITUDE LONGITUDE Remarks
28 482.257.576 917.371.309 deflated pebbles
29 482.254.086 917.367.251 deflated pebbles
30 482.248.890 917.363.489 deflated pebbles
31 482.242.687 917.361.028 deflated pebbles
32 482.236.075 917.352.712 deflated pebbles
33 482.227.656 917.345.115 deflated pebbles
34 482.220.082 917.334.540 close to an old Irrigation channel
35 482.213.176 917.331.340 close to an old Irrigation channel
36 482.201.679 917.325.929 deflatedpebbles
37 482.196.200 917.329.076 deflated pebbles
38 482.186.833 917.325.288 deflated pebbles
39 482.186.596 917.312.797 deflated pebbles
40 482.189.765 917.304.542 deflated pebbles
41 482.197.050 917.303.708 deflated pebbles
42 482.206.181 917.314.950 rich of scaleten
43 482.209.268 917.338.827 deflated pebbles
44 482.209.263 917.353.798 deflated pebbles
45 482.219.012 917.362.435 deflated pebbles
46 482.229.174 917.368.181 deflated pebbles
47 482.238.475 917.376.323 carbonate layer
48 482.245.513 917.386.704 carbonate layer
49 482.255.943 917.357.802 deflated pebbles
Table 17: Sample Points of Area 6 (21 Samples)
Moisture
Organic
component
N, ppm
ammonia
nitrate
Sample pH % % P, ppm
1 029 5.90 2.617 0.862 38.0 35.8 57.06
2 031 6.05 1.647 0.867 67.8 29.8 47.49
3 032 6.45 1.010 0.397 30.5 151.0 240.70
4 033 6.50 1.518 0.390 52.9 20.6 32.83
59

5 036 6.54 3.251 0.606 23.1 29.8 47.49
6 039 6.30 2.548 0.344 23.1 23.7 37.77
7 040 6.03 2.086 0.733 75.2 84.4 134.50
8 044 6.05 2.205 0.572 75.2 35.8 57.06
9 045 6.33 0.836 0.544 52.9 200.0 318.8
10 046 6.70 2.494 0.511 142.0 38.9 62.00
Sample
Anions, mg –eq./100g
HCO 3
-
CO 3
2-
Cl - SO 4
2-
Cations, mg–eq./100g Mineral
Ca 2+ Mg 2+ Na + +K + ppm
1 029 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.962 0.175 0.175 0.913 901.79
2 031 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.379 0.140 0.110 0.729 651.11
3 032 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.344 0.050 0.075 0.319 348.51
4 033 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.057 0.040 0.085 0.132 151.98
5 036 0.00 0.10 1.50 0.074 0.040 0.020 1.614 1108.76
6 039 0.00 0.15 0.20 0.048 0.050 0.150 0.198 228.42
7 040 0.00 0.10 0.15 0.013 0.150 0.075 0.038 140.27
8 044 0.00 0.10 0.10 0.100 0.050 0.175 0.075 167.75
9 045 0.00 0.30 0.20 0.353 0.100 0.100 0.653 564.87
10 046 0.00 0.15 0.20 0.100 0.050 0.050 0.350 288.50
Table 18: The Chemical Composition of Area 6
Sam Area Zn Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
21 6-030 67.64 19.28 338.51 23300 < 5.0 < 10.0
22 6-033 75.20 15.94 293.67 22400 < 5.0 < 10.0
23 6-036 76.66 17.42 277.93 22000 < 5.0 < 10.0
24 6-039 81.50 17.52 322.41 24200 < 5.0 < 10.0
25 6-044 49.16 14.08 247.00 17800 < 5.0 < 10.0
Table 19: Heavy Metals of Area 6
The organic and nutrient content of the soils are relatively low, whereas good physical
conditions can be found in the soils, like sufficient depth for the roots and porous structure of
the soils.
60

10.3 Soil Conditions (M. Walther)
Methods of chemical analysis
Preparation of water extract of soil samples
Methodology
When soil is extracted by water, main ions move to the liquid phase.
Materials
• Conic flasks
• Water
Experimental procedure
Weigh 20g of soil sample. Add 100ml noncarbonized water. After 1 hour, filtrate it.
1. Determination pH values
Methodology
pH of soil is measured in the water extract. Could be used of various pH –meters.
Materials
• 100ml beaker
• R–340 pH meter
Experimental procedure
Measure 10 ml of water extract. Constract instruments electrode about 2 minutes in it. When
the instrument had measured a constant value of pH, stop the measuring process and write the
pHvalue.
2. Determination of soil moisture
Methodology
Over 105 0 C, all water in soil goes to vapour. The difference of mass of the non –
heated and heated soil is give the chance to measure soil moisture.
Materials
• Weighing glass
• Thermostate
• Analytical balance
Experimental procedure
Weigh weighing bottle by analytical balance. Add about 5g soil and weigh again. Then keep it
in thermostat over 105 0 C, for 2 hours. Then weigh it again, it must have lost its water. Repeat
61

last two steps. If the weighs after heated soils have adifference of 0.0002g or less, then stop
the measurement.
3. Determination of organic matter
Methodology
Organic carbon is determined by means of a potassium dichromate back-titration. A known
excess of K 2 Cr 2 O 7 is added to the sample together with H 2 SO 4 and the organic carbon is
oxidized to CO 2 :
2Cr 2 O 2- 7 + 3C organic +16H + →4Cr 3+ + 3CO 2 + 8H 2 O
In this reaction, 2 moles of dichromate oxidize 3 moles of carbon. The unreacted excess of
dichromate remaining after reaction is determined by back-titration with ferrous sulfate:
Cr 2 O 2- 7 + 6Fe 2+ +14H + →2Cr 3+ + 6Fe 3+ + 7H 2 O
In this titration reaction, 1 mole of dichromate oxidizes 6 moles of Fe 2+ . Organic carbon is
calculated by difference. Ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ), if present in the soil. Will interfere by reacting
with chromate according to the same equations as that shown for the titration reaction above.
Materials
Hot plate
250ml and 100ml conical flasks
Burette
0.4N potassium dichromate solution
0.1N Standard ferrous ammonium sulfate solution
0.2% Phenanthroline indicator
Concentrated sulfuric acid
Experimental procedure
Weight 0.2g of soil, sediment or sludge and place in a conical refluxing flask. Add 10ml of
the potassium dichromate solution and swirl to mix. Carefully add 10ml concentrated sulfuric
acid. Dispense the acid a little at a time since it generates heat, and swirl gently to mix.
Connect the flask to the condenser and turn on cooling water. Cover open end of condenser
with a small beaker. Place on a hot plate and reflux for 5-10 minutes. Cooland rinse down the
condenser with distilled water, collecting the water in the flask. Disconnect flask from
condenser and add about 10ml water. Swirl to mix and add 4 drops of phenanthroline
indicator. Titrate with ferrous ammonium sulfate to the end point, at which the color changes
from blue-green to violet red
62

4. Determination of total content of P
Methodology
The method is based on phosphate ion’s property which can show a purple colour with
molybdate ion.And we can determine phophorus by measuring colour intensiveness.
Materials
• Ammonium chloride
• Ammonium molybdate
• Potassium permanganate
• Glucose
• Hydrazine sulfate
• Standard solution of phosphorus, ootassium dihydrophosphate
• Hot plate
Experimental procedure
Measure 10ml ammonium chloride extract and add 1ml potassium permanganate 0.4N and
ammonium molybdate. Boil it 2 minute, and add glucose until the solution has no colour.
Then add hydrazine sulfate 0.5ml and wait 10 –20 min. After that measure the intensive of
this solution by PEC –56. To calculate, need results of standard solution.
5. Determination of ammonium an nitrate nitrogen
Methodology
The method is based on ammonium ion’s property which can show a yellow color with
Nessler reagent. For the nitrate nitrogen, color reagent is sulfophenol. And we can determine
nitrogen by measuring color intensiveness.
Materials
• Standard solution, Ammonium chloride
• Standard solution, potassium nitrate
• Nessler reagent
• Sodium tartrat, Segnetov’s salt
• Sulfophenol
Experimental procedure
Measure 10ml water extract and add 1ml Segnetov’s salt. Add 1ml Nessler reagent and add
1ml Segnetov’s soil again. Wait until solution has a constant color. After that measure the
intensive of this solution by PEC –56. To calculate, need results of standard solution. For
63

nitrate, all this steps same, but instead of Segnetov’s salt and Nessler reagent use sulfophenol.
And need to boil in ceramics cup after add the reagent until to see its color.
6. Determination of acidity (HCO - 3 and CO 2- 3 )
Methodology
Acidity of soil is determined by titration sulfuric acid, using methyl orange and
phenolphthalein indicators.
Materials
0.05N sulfuric acid
0.01% Methyl orange indicator
0.1% Phenolphthalein indicator
Burette
Conical flasks
Experimental procedure
Weigh 20g of fresh soil from which stones, twigs and larger materials have been removed and
place in a beaker or wide-neck bottle. Add 40ml of laboratory water and stir vigorously on a
magnetic stirrer if one is available, or manually. Allow to stand for 30 min and filter through
filter paper. Determine the acidity of the filtrate by filtration with sulfuric acid or hydrochloric
acid. Measure 10ml of the sample into a conical flask add 4 drops of phenolphthalein
indicator. The color of the solution should turn magenta. If it does not, determine bicarbonate.
Titrate with 0.05N H 2 SO 4 until the pink color just disappears and record the amount of titrant
used. This value will be used to calculate the carbonate acidity.
Add 3 drops of methyl orange indicator. The sample should turn yellow. Titrate with 0.05N
H 2 SO 4 until the color just turns orange.
7. Determination of content chloride ion
Methodology
Method of determining chloride in water is by means of precipitation titration with AgNO 3 ,
also called argentometric titration. The method for chloride involves the direct titration of
chloride with AgNO 3 , using potassium chromate as an indicator. Reaction of AgNO 3 with
chloride precipitates silver chloride:
Ag + +Cl - →AgCl(s)
At the end point, excess of silver ions react with chromate to precipitate silver chromate
which has a distinctive reddish-brown color:
64

2Ag + +CrO 2- 4 →Ag 2 CrO 4 (s)
Materials
0.005M AgNO 3 standard solution
5% potassium chromate solution
Burette
100ml conical flasks
Experimental procedure
Pipette 20ml of water extract into a 100ml conical flask and add the 1ml indicator of
potassium chromate solution and titrate as a solution of AgNO 3 to precipitate silver chromate
which has a distinctive reddish-brown color.
8. Determination of content sulphate ion
Methodology
An excess of barium chloride (BaCl 2 ) is added to the sample. The barium ion reacts with the
sulfate to precipitate barium sulfate crystals of uniform size:
Ba 2+ + SO 2- 4 →BaSO 4(S)
The colloidal suspension is measured using a spectrophotometer and the sulfate concentration
determined by comparison with standards. Suspended particles present in large amounts will
interfere and these can be removed by filtration. Highly colored samples may give erroneous
results.
Materials
Spectrophotometer and absorption cell
Barium chloride, crystalline
Sodium chloride-hydrochloric acid reagent
Glycerol-ethanol solution
Standard sulfate solution, 100mg/l
Experimental procedure
Measure 10ml of sample into a 25ml flack and add 2ml of the NaCl-HCl solution and 2ml of
the glycerol-alcohol solution. Add approximately 0.03g barium chloride. Stir for 2 min
exactly after adding the barium chloride. Immediately pour some solution into an absorption
cell and measure the absorbance at 420nm after exactly 3 min. Prepare series of calibration
standards by pipetting aliquots of the standard sulfate solution corresponding to between 0.5
65

and 5ml into a 25ml volumetric flask and making up to the mark with water. Analyze in the
same way as samples. Prepare sample blanks by adding all the reagents except barium
chloride to 25ml of sample and measure the absorbance. Substract from each sample reading
the blank reading obtained using the same sample to compensate for sample color and
turbidity. Prepare a calibration graph of absorbance against mg SO 2- 4 . Read off the amount of
sulfate in the samples using the corrected absorbance reading and calculate the concentration
in the sample as:
Mg SO 2- 4 /l= 1000*mgSO 2- 4 /V
Where V is the volume of the sample (ml)
The volume of sample is 10ml in the above procedure. If the sample contains more sulfate
than the highest calibration standards, dilute the sample to fit on the curve and correct for the
dilution when calculating the result.
9. Determination of content Ca + Mg and Ca
Methodology
A method commonly used for hardness determination is the direct complexation titration with
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
EDTA forms 1:1 complexes with divalent metals such as calcium:
Ca 2+ +EDTA→{Ca⋅EDTA} complex
Erochrome Black T can be sued as indicators. If a small quantity of indicator is added to water
simple containing Ca and Mg ions at pH 10, the solution becomes wine red. The indicator
forms complexes with Ca and Mg ions which give the solution a wine-red color:
Ca 2+ +Eriochrome Black T→{Ca⋅Eriochrome Black T} complex
wine-red
As EDTA is added it displaces the cations from the cation-indicator complex by forming more
stable complexes with the cations. When all of the Ca and Mg is complexed EDTA, (at the
end point), the solution turns from wine red to blue due to the free Eriochrome Black T
indicator. In order to obtain a sharp end point a small amount of magnesium ions must be
present. This is generally not a problem with natural water samples which tend to contain
some Mg, but it is a problem when standardizing EDTA solutionswith pure CaCO 3 .
66

Materials.
0.1M NaOH
Eriochrome black T
Buffer solution (dissolve 7.0g NH 4 Cl in 57.0ml of concentrated ammonia solution and dilute
to 1.0L)
Standard disodium ethylenediamnietetraacetate dehydrate
Experimental procedure
Determination of content Ca + Mg: Pipette 20.0ml of the water extract into a 250ml conical
flask and add 10ml of buffer solution and 5 drops of indicator solution. Carry out one rough
titration to get an idea of the location of the end point. The color change is the same as in the
standardization experiment. Repeat the titration using another 20ml aliquot of the water
sample but this time add ¾ of the expected titrant before adding the buffer and indicator. If
sufficient sample is available, repeat the titration several times and take the average.
Determination of content Ca. Adjust the pH of 20ml water extract to between 12 and 12.25
using 1M NaOH. Do not add buffer. Add 0.2g of indicator to the solution and titrate as before
until the color changes from wine red to blue. Repeat the titration several times on different
20ml aliquots of sample and take the average. Calculate the calcium hardness in the water
sample as mg CaCO 3 L -1 using the same expression as for total hardness.
10.Determination of heavy metals
Heavy metals are extracted into acid solution and analyzed by AAS.
Nitric Acid –Hydrochloric Acid Digestion
Methodology
Heavy metals are digested by solution of hot mixture of nitric end hydrochloric acid.
Me 2 O x +2õH + ⇢2Me x+ +xH 2 O
Materials.
Hydrochloric acid, concentrated
Nitric acid, concentrated
Hydrochloric acid, 1N
Hot plate with magnetic stirrer
Filter paper
Experimental Procedure.
Weigh 0.5g of soil sample. Add 5ml nitric acid and 10ml hydrochloric acid. Boil until end of
liquid phase. Repeat last two steps. Then solute the sample by 100ml hydrochloric acid, 1N.
67

11. Measure by AAS
Methodology
Compounds are atomized by flame of air –acethyline in 3000 0 C. The elements can absorb
only the wave, which has special length. Then it is possible to determine the element using the
lamp which can emit the special wave.
Materials
Atomic absorption spectrometer
Stock metal solutions, 1000mg L -1
Working metal solutions prepared by dilution of the stock solution
Experimental procedure.
Prepare stock metal solutions and the instrument for analyse (See measures of parameters on
this page). Measure stock metal solutions and construct a calibration graph. Do measurement
on samples.
Measures of parameters
Cupper
Current ; 6mA/0mA Burner height ; 7mm
Wave length ; 324.8nm Burner angle ; 0 deg
Slit width ; 0.5nm Fuel gas flow ; 1.8 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
Iron
Current ; 12mA/0mA Burner height ; 7mm
Wave length ; 248.3nm Burner angle ; 0deg
Slit width ; 0.2nm Fuel gas flow ; 2.2 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
Manganese
Current ; 10mA/0mA Burner height ; 7mm
Wave length ; 279.5nm Burner angle ; 0 deg
Slit width ; 0.2nm Fuel gas flow ; 2.0 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
68

Cadmium
Current ; 8mA/0mA Burner height ; 7mm
Wave length ; 228.8nm Burner angle ; 0 deg
Slit width ; 0.5nm Fuel gas flow ; 1.8 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
Zinc
Current ; 8mA/0mA Burner height ;
7mm
Wave length ; 213.9nm Burner angle ; 0 deg
Slit width ; 0.5nm Fuel gas flow ; 2.0 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
Lead
Current ; 12mA/0mA Burner height ; 7mm
Wave length ; 217.0nm Burner angle ; 0 deg
Slit width ; 0.5nm Fuel gas flow ; 2.0 l/min
Lighting mode ; BGC –D 2 Type of oxidant ; air
69

10. 4Flora and Fauna (S. Bayarkhuu)
Ecological Conditions at the LowerCourse of Buyant River
1. Hydrology
There are Lake Khar Us, Buyant River and their tributaries, natural springs and streams as well as 286 manmade wells, engine
and land –driven, recorded in the vicinity of Buyant river
2. Climate
Maximum air temperatures in July
ranges between +18.8 0 -39.1 0 C and
in January -25.5 0 –33.8 0 C. Mean
annual temperature is 0.3 0 –4 0 C, the
precipitation is 120-140 mm, and the
maximum wind velocity is 24 m/s.
3. Soil
Top soils are mostly light brown and
widely distributed with granite
crumbs. Regarding their mechanical
components they have slight pebble
layer and clayish and meadow
marshy brown soils are found.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Irrigated Cultivation Agriculture
Extensive Livestock Husbandry
4. Vegetation(Phytocoenosis)
Desert steppe plant communities with
Stipa gobica are dominating.
Depression areas are inhabited by
desert plant communities with
Salsola passerina, Salsola passerina
- Anabasis L. In some areas that are
under farming and extensive
livestock grazing are Oxytropis
lanata.
5. Fauna (Zoocoenosis)
There are two species of fish, three
species of reptiles, 57 species of
birds, 12 species of mammals, and
346 species of insects (beatles) of
127 genera, 35 families, 8 orders and
5 classes recorded. The area has
been affected by livestock grazing
and human activities.
6. Microsomia
Various types of soil and plant bacteria and microorganisms in plants are recorded.
Source:S. Bayarkhuuet al / KSU, own investigations, June 2006
70

Vegetation
The areas with desert steppe light brown soils are mostly inhabited by Stipa, Cleistogenes
Keng, Artemisia and the dry desert areas by Anabasis L. In the areas with pebble bearing light
brown sandy soils grow by bushes and shrubs with Caragana pygmaea, Caragana
Korshinskii, Eurotia Adans, and Oxytropis lanata. The dominant vegetation are Stipa gobica
desert plant communities, but central parts of depression areas particularly nearby lakes are
dominanted by Salsola passerina and Salsola - Anabasis L desert plant communities. At outer
edges of depression areas and steppe-like valleys between mountains desert and desert steppe
communities Stipa gobica –Artemisia, Stipa gobica - Salsola, Stipa gobica - Allium
mongolicum. Rgl, and Stipa gobica –Caragana aredistributed.
Rocky mountains with light clayish and sandy brown soils are inhabited by Stipa gobica -
Caragana, Stipa gobica - Cleistogenes Keng pastureland plant species. On mountain slopes
and their lowes parts Stipa-Caragana, forbs-Festuca, Festuca-forbs grass communities can be
found.
Impacts of Fauna and Biotic Organisms
Compositions, distributions and locations of fauna species in the vicinity of Buyant River are
contingent to the specific conditions of geographical location, depressions, and alpine zone.
Most part of terrestrial vertebrate species in vicinities of Lake Khar Us and Buyant River
include abundant species in the semi-desert region. There are 51 species of mammals of 37
genera, 23 families and 6 orders recorded in the vicinities.
Desert steppe hilly areas and dry steppe bio-top are abundant with some species of reptiles i.e.
Toad-headed agama, Multi-cellated racerunner, Gobi racerunner, and Pallas’ coluber. From
rodents there are Maximovich’s vole, Mongolian gerbil, Siberian jerboa, Northern mole-vole,
and marmot abundantly recorded. Shores and islands in Lake Khar Us are inhabited by Reed
boar and Steppe weasel, Muskrat, and Central Asian beaver in Khovd gol among the
mammals. There are over 210 species of birds recorded in the region, but most of them are
water fowls.
No detailed studies on invertebrate species (mezo-fauna) have been specifically conducted
throughout the Buyant Sum territory. However, some researches show very specific and
attention grabbing results on invertebrate species in the region. Only in Khar Us Nuur region
71

there are 391 invertebrate species of 167 genera, 35 families, 8 orders and 5 classes recorded
and among them there are 346 species of beetles belonging to 127 genera and 15 families.
Microsomia
Soil is one of the important components in biogeocoenosis and therefore it constitutes an
indispensable part of biosphere. Soil fertility is dependent on microorganisms inhabiting soils.
The microorganisms in the soils are found in different parts of soils depending on aggregate
temperatures, moisture, air, and nutritive substratum rates of soil surface and depth. Growth
and distribution rates of micro-flora species in soils are widely affected by the environmental
factors i.e. air temperature, soil acidity, saline rates and amounts, soil mechanical components,
and features of vegetation.
Plants grown in soils emerge organic compounds i.e. glucose, organic acid and amino acid
into the environment and these organic compounds positively affect the nutrition and growth
rates of microorganisms in soils. Therefore, sticking of microorganisms to either plant root
system or conspicuous parts is not occasional and casual. Microorganisms nearby plant roots
in soils are called rezo-spherical microorganisms and these microorganisms produce nutritive
elements necessary for plant growth by taking place in organic substance cycling process in
soils.
These microorganisms break down poisonous compounds into non-poisonous compounds for
the plants. Microorganisms growing on plant leaves and stems are called as epidit
microorganisms and 80 % of them are Erwinia herbicola bacteria. The microorganisms are
usually on fruit seeds and berries and their growth rates depend on seed moisture and
temperature.
Flora Species (Phytocoenosis)
Detailed studies and research on flora species deal with identification of plant species
compositions, and original and historical development aspects of flora species through
conducting analysis on different aspects. Additionally, the studies and researches provide
references on dominant and economically valuable plant species and their ranges and
distributions within certain areas. Table 20 shows composition of plants recorded in the
vicinity of Buyant River.
72

No:
Species of Plants
(Gubanov, 1996)
Status
Life Expectancy
of Plants
(Ramenskii
1932)
Ecological
Grouping
Value/
Importance
Growing
Conditions &
Natural Zones
Distribution
Provinces &
Ranges
A B C D E F
1 Equisetum arvense Abundant Perennial /K/ M Poisonous in
spring
RFl 1
2 Potamogeton lusens Rare Perennial /Gif/ Hy Biocoenosis HPVE
3 Triglochin palustris Typical Perennial /T/ Petr Pastureland R & L
Fl
2
4 Butomus umbellatus Endangered Perennial /Gif/ Hy Biocoenosis HPVE 3
5 Achnaterum splendens Abundant Perennial / K / X, Ha
&M
Pastureland MANL 6
6 Agrostis mongolica Typical Perennial / K / M Pastureland L Fl 4
7 Agrostis stilonipira Typical Perennial /GÊ/ M Pastureland R & L
Fl
8 Alopecures pratensis Typical Perennial / K / Pastureland R & L
Fl
3
9 Calamogrostis epigeios Typical Perennial / K / Ha &
M
Pastureland L Fl 3
10 Calamogrostis macilenta Perennial / K / Ha &
M
Pastureland L Fl 4
11 Calamogrostis
macrolepis
Abundant Perennial /G K / Ha &M Pastureland R & L
Fl
5
12 Elymus dahuricus Typical Perennial /G K / Ha &
M
Pastureland
R & L
Fl
13 Elymus sibirica Typical Perennial /G K / P M Overgrazing
indicator
R Fl 4
14 Erigrostis pilosa Abundant Annual /T/ M Overgrazing R & L 4
73

indicator
Fl
15 Hordeum brevisibulatum Abundant Perennial /G K / M Pastureland R & L
Fl
3
16 Hordeum roshevitzii Abundant Perennial /G K / M Pastureland R & L
Fl
Abundan
t
17 Panicum milaceum Typical Annual /T/ Petr Food R Fl
18 Phragmites communis Endangered Perennial / K / Ha &
M
Pastureland
& forage
L Fl 1
19 Poa pretense Abundant Perennial / K / M Pastureland R & L
Fl
2
20 Poa tibitanum Abundant Perennial / K / M X Pastureland R & L
Fl
5
21 Puccinella tenuiflora Abundant Perennial /G K / Ha &
M
Pastureland L Fl 5
22 Carex enervis Abundant Perennial /G K / T & M Pastureland R & L
Fl
6
23 Eleocharis uniglumus Typical Perennial /G K,
K /
Ps & T Pastureland R & L
Fl
24 Scirpus hippolitii Abundant Perennial /Gef/ T Pastureland
& forage
L Fl 1
25 Juncus bolfonius Typical Annual /T/ Ha &M Pastureland R & L
Fl
3
26 Juncus gerardii Endangered Perennial / K / Ha &
M
Pastureland
ÍÒ
27 Juncus salsuginosa Abundant Perennial / K / Ha &M Pastureland R Fl 5
28 Juncus sorantus Abundant Perennial Ha &
M
Pastureland R Fl 3
29 Iris bungeana Abundant Perennial grass Ha &
M
Pastureland
R Fl
74

30 Iris lacteal Abundant Perennial /GÊ/ Ha &
M
Overgrazing
indicator
R Fl 5
31 Salix ledebouriana Typical Shrubbery
/Mif/
P M Pastureland R Fl 4
32 Polygonum ampibum Typical Perennial /Gef/ Hy Pastureland HMPR 1
33 Polygonum minus Typical Annual /T/ M Pastureland R & L
Fl
5
34 Chenopodium vulvaria Abundant Annual /T/ Ha &
M
Biocoenosis L Fl 3
35 Amaranthus retroplexus Typical Annual /T/ M & X Biocoenosis R Fl 1
36 Halerpestes runtenica Abundant Perennial /G K / Ha &M Pastureland R & L
Fl
37 Halerpestes sarmentosa Abundant Perennial /G K / Ha &M Pastureland R & L
Fl
38 Ranunculus gmeli Abundant Annual /Gif/ Hy Biocoenosis HPVE
39 Brassia juncea Abundant Annual /T/ M PMI R Fl 3
40 Capsella bursa pastoris Abundant Annual /T/ M Medicinal &
PMI
R Fl 1
41 Potentilla anserine Abundant Perennial /G K / M Pastureland R & L
Fl
1
42 Astragalus adsurgens Abundant Perennial /G K / M Pastureland R Fl
43 Caragana spinosa Abundant Shrubbery /mf/ Ha &
M
Pastureland R Fl 5
44 Medicago lupulina Abundant Annual /T/ Ha &
Pastureland
R & L
1
M
Fl
45 Melilotus dentatus Typical Perennial grass
/G K /
M Pastureland R Fl 3
46 Melilotus officinalis Endangered Perennial grass
/G K /
M Medicinal R Fl
75

47 Melilotus suaveolens Endangered Perennial grass M Medicinal R Fl
48 Oxytropis glabra Become
Perennial grass
M X Poisonous R & L
4
abundant
/G K /
Fl
49 Oxytropis salina Abundant Perennial /GK / X & M Pastureland AS 4
50 Pisium sativum Typical Annual/T/ M Food &
forage
R Fl
51 Myosotis caespitosa Endangered Perennial / K / Ha &
M
Pastureland
R & L
Fl
52 Nonea pulla Typical Perennial /G K / M PMI, weed R Fl
53 Odontdtes rubra Typical Annual /T/ M Pastureland R & L
Fl
54 Solanum dipilatum Rare Perennial / K / M &
Psa
Poisonous
R & L
Fl
55 Plantago depressa Abundant Perennial /GE/ M PMI,
Medicinal
R & L
Fl
56 Artemisia gobica Abundant Semi-shrubbery
Ha
&
Pastureland
R & L
4
/X/
M
Fl
57 Artemisia palustris Abundant Annual /T/ Ha &
Overgrazing
DS & R
6
M
indicator
& L Fl
58 Bidens tripartite Endangered Perennial /G K / X & M Pastureland
& low seed
R & L
Fl
1
59 Cirsium esculentum Abundant Perennial /G K / Ha &
Pastureland
R & L
3
M
Fl
60 Inula britanica Abundant Perennial /G K / M Pastureland HMPR 3
61 Lactuca tatarica Endangered Perennial / K/ M & X Poisonous R & L
Fl
3
62 Senecio dubius Typical Annual /T/ M PMI R & L
Fl
6
63 Senecio subdentatus Annual /T/ Ha & Biocoenosis R Fl 6
76

M
64 Sonchus oleraceus Abundant Annual M PMI R Fl
65 Taraxacum dealbatum Typical Perennial /G K / Ps & M Pastureland R & L
Fl
4
66 Taraxacum dissertum Endangered Perennial /G K / M & Ps PMI R & L
Fl
5
Table 20: Composition of Plants Recorded in the Vicinity of Buyant River
Source:S. Bayarkhuuet al / KSU, own investigations, June 2006
Explanation of abbreviations:
A– Status:
Abundant –Occurrences are more than enough and fruitiness and productivity is good
enough.
Typical –No changes have been observed in distributions of species
Endangered –Distributions of species have become critically rare in comparison to their
typical growth rates
Rare –Species listed in “List of Rare Plants”or rare to certain areas
B- Life Expectancy of Plants
The necessary explanations were not provided by the research team of Dept. of Biology /
Khovd State University.
C- Ecological Grouping
X- Xerophytes
Ps- Psychrophyte
S- Sciophyte
Hy- Hydrophytes
M-Moisture-phyte
Petr- Petrophyte
T- Tema-phyte
Psa-Psammophyte
Ha–Halophyte
77

D- Value/Importance
OI -Overgrazing indicator
PMI -Pastureland Modification Indicator
UWI –underground water indicator
PDI –Pastureland Desertification Indicator
E–Growing Conditions & Natural Zones:
R & L Fl–River and Lake Floodplains
R Fl–River Floodplains
L Fl–Lake Floodplains
MANL-Marshy Areas Nearby Lakes
AS-Alpine Steppe
AMS-Alpine Meadow Steppe
MS–Mountainous Steppe
MDSDDS-Mountainous, Dry, Semi-Desert and Desert Steppe
DS–Dry Steppe
SDS–Semi-Desert Steppe
DS- DesertSteppe
SD-Steppe Desert
AEDD-Actual and Extremely Droughty Desert
HPVE -Hydro-Plant Vegetative Elements
HMPR- Hydro-Marshy Plant Roots
F–Distribution Provinces & Ranges
1. Cosmopolitan; 2. Holarctic; 3. Eurasian; 4. Asian; 5. Central Asian; 6. Turan; 7.
Mediterranean Sea; 8.Altai
The plant species in Janjin Boolt vicinity were recorded by the research team (from Bugat
Uzuur area to Ulaankhargana area) and their composition, taxonomy, ecology and
distributions were identified (Table 21).
78

No:
Life
Ranges
Plant Species (as
Expectancy
Ecological
Growing &
recorded by Gubanov, Status of Plants
Importance
grouping
conditions Distribu
1996)
(Ramenskii
tions
1932)
1
Achnaterum splendens Abundant Perennial X, Ha & Pastureland MANL 6
(K) M
2 Plantago minuata Rare
Perennial
PMI & R Fl
M
(GK)
medicinal
3 Plantoga salsa
Abundant Perennial
PMI & R Fl
M
(GK)
medicinal
4 Plantago major
Abundant Perennial
PMI & R Fl
M
(GK)
medicinal
5 Artemisia kserophyta Abundant Annual /t/ Ha & M OI DS, R & L Fl 6
6 Artemisia sp Floodplain
7 Artemisia fergida Abundant Annual /t/ Ha & M OI Floodplain 6
8 Convolvulus arvense Abundant OI Floodplain
9 Convolvulus ammoni Abundant OI Floodplain ‘
10
Agrophyron
Abundant Pastureland Floodplain
mongolicum
11 Agrophyron cristatum Abundant Pastureland
12 Potentilla multifida
Abundant Perennial M Pastureland R Fl 1
(GK)
13 Potentilla anserin
Abundant Perennial M Pastureland R Fl 1
(GK)
14 Stipa gobica Rare Perennial Pastureland X
15 Stipa glareosa Abundant Perennial Pastureland
16 Stiliara dichotoma Abundant Perennial Pastureland
17 Alium mongolica Rare Perennial Pastureland
18 Poa? disampsia Rare Perennial Floodplain
19 Glaux maritime Rare Perennial Floodplain
20 Oxytropis salina
Abundant Perennial X & M Pastureland Floodplain 4
(GK)
21 Oxytropis gàlabra
Become Perennial M & X Poisonous Floodplain 4
abundant (GK)
22 Heteropappus altaicus Rare Perennial M Floodplain
23 Myosotis caespitosa
Endangered Perennial Ha & M Pastureland
(K)
Floodplain
24 Carex duriuscula Abundant Perennial M Pastureland R Fl
79

grassy
25 Taraxacum officinalis
Abundant Perennial M & Ps PMI R Fl 5
(GK)
26
Gueldenstaedtia
monophylla
Rare Perennial X XX
27 Inula Britanica
Abundant Perennial M Pastureland HMPR 3
(GK)
28 Boraginaceae sp Abundant Floodplain
29 Skatleria sp Rare Floodplain
30 Capsella sp Rare Floodplain
31 Chiazospermum sp Rare Floodplain
32 Phylium sp Rare Floodplain
33 Iris lacteal
Abundant Perennial Ha &M OI R Fl 5
(GK)
34 Peucedanum L Rare Pastureland
Table 21: Composition of Plants Recorded in the Vicinity of JanjinBoolt
Source:S. Bayarkhuuet al / KSU, own investigations, June 2006
In Janjin Boolt vicinity totally 34 species of plants we collected and records kept in 98 points. Four
species of plants which are used as pastureland modification indicators, 5 species as overgrazing
indicators, a poisonous species, 8 species of pastureland and forage importance, and 16 species in a
cultivation area were identified. The plant species were recorded in a herbarium.
Having selected irrigated and non-irrigated farmlands for monitoring it was studied how the growth
of species in the phytocoenosis depend on their growing conditions (Delgermaa, 2003) (Table 22).
Species Monitoring plot Irrigated farmland
1 Equisetum arvense 0.84 0.6
2 Oxytropis glabra 4.36 2.96
3 Iris lacteal 6.8 8.56
4 Astrogallus hypogaeus 2.72 3.04
5 Halerpestis salsuginosa 0.36 *
6 Poa cea 1.48 1.04
7 Thermopsis mongolica 1.12 1.24
8 Forbs 4.48 4.88
Total (dt/ha) 22.16 22.32
Source:S. Bayarkhuuet al / KSU, own investigations, June 2006
Table 22: Correlation between the Growth of Species in Phytocoenosis and Growing Conditions (dt/ha)
80

We compared the records on plants along Buyant River that were done in 1980 were
compared to the records in 98 plots (1200 m a.s.l. E 91’ 57’40” and N 48’07’20”) in 2006.
The recent records on plants in the area were compared to the records that were done 3
(2003) and 26 (1980) years ago (Table 23).
No: Species composition 1980 2003 2006
1 Calmagrostis epigeois Cop 40[4] Sol

20 Pussinella teniuflora Sol

43 Glaux maritime Sp 1
44 Heteropappus altaicus Sp 1
45 Myosotis caespitosa Sp 1 [2r]
46 Taraxacum officinalis Sol
47 Taraxacum dissectum Sol

areas were compiled and updated with inventory results collected with the same methodology
in thestudy areas of2006.
The following species were identified and recorded in the vicinity of Janjin Boolt area (See
Tab. 24): 2 species of fish, one species of reptiles, 46 species of birds, and 5 species of
mammals.
1 Thymallus brevirostris
2 Oreololeuciscus oreololeuciscus
3 Phrynocephalus versicolor
4 Eremias multiocellata
5 Aqkistrodon halys
6 Elaphe dione
7 Phalocarocorax carbo
8 Ardea cinera
9 Ciconia nigra
10 Tadorna ferruginea
11 Mergus merganser
12 Milvus migrans
13 Falco tinnunculus
14 Falco naummanni
15 Falco cherrug
16 Phasianus colchicus
17 Antrofoides virgo
18 Charadrius dubius
19 Vanelus vanelus
20 Tringa ochropus
21 Tringa glareola
22 Gallinago solitaria
23 Actitis hypoleucos
24 Larus argentatus
25 Columba livia
26 Columba rupestris
27 Cuculus canorus
28 Asio flammeus
29 Upopa epops
30 Riparia riparia
31 Hirundo rustica
32 Apus apus
33 Alauda arvensis
34 Motacilla flava
84

35 Motacilla personata
36 Lanius cristatus
37 Lanius isabellinus
38 Sturnus vulgaris
39 Sturnus roseus
40 Pica pica
41 Phyrrhocorax phyrrhocorax
42 Corvus corone
43 Corvus corax
44 Corvus dauuricus
45 Bombicilla garrulus
46 Cinclus cinclus
47 Oenanthe oenanthe
48 Passer domesticus
49 Passer montanus
50 Petronia petronia
51 Eremophila alpestris
52 Emberiza cia
53 Neomys fodiens
54 Ochotona pallasi
55 Lipus tolai
56 Phodopus roborovskii
57 Phodopus sungorus
58 Cricetulus obscurus
59 Ellobius talpinus
60 Merionus meridianus
61 Cricetulus migratorius
62 Mus musculus
63 Allactaga sibirica
64 Dipus sagitta
65 Vulpes vulpes
66 Vulpes corsac
67 Mustella nivalis
68 Mustella eversmanni
Table 24: List of Fauna Species Identified and Recorded in JanjinBooltArea
Source:S. Bayarkhuuet al / KSU, own investigations, June 2006
85

During the field research inventory and mapping on holes of rodent Midday gerbil in private
fences of local residents that engage in cultivation areas were conducted. There were 21 holes
in 10 m 2 area that were networked with small tracks. It was found outthat the main reason of
the species distribution was deficiency of water in the area. If water is evenly supplied
throughout the area, this species of rodent would move to its natural ranges and bio-top and its
destructive effects on crop and yields would be eliminated.
11. Summary of Field Research Results and Sample Analysis (M. Walther)
In comparison with all field data, water analytical data, measurements in the field,
climatologic data based on the Survey data of Khovd station and laboratory analyses data
there can be given an overview of the most suitable areas for rehabilitation of irrigated
agriculture from the ecological point of view:
‣ The best average values from the point of chemical soil composition and water supply
are given in the areas 4, 5 and 6. Water should not have been a problem (recently it is
reaching the area), if the distribution is regulated by intes –sum agreements or other
legal regulations.
‣ The brown soil of the areas 4, 5 and 6 is well drainable, not compacted and developed
on a thin sand sheet of aeolian sands. The observations of the physical character show
good conditions (soil air, depth of roots, porous structure, actual soil moisture etc).
‣ The area 2 on the eastern part of the Buyant Gol delta has very coarse and poor A-C-
Soils and high compacted soils in the eastern part (old lake bottoms of Khar Nuur).
From the ecological point of view this area can not be recommended for the
rehabilitation of irrigated agricultural use.
‣ The danger of remobilization of heavy metals is not given in all areas. Heavy metal
content is mostly lower than the geo-accumulation index based on the natural
background value of heavy metals in rocks.
‣ The risk of saltification is very low because especially the areas 4, 5 and 6 have an
inclination of a little bit more than 2 %.
‣ From the point of water supply we have to take into account that we have a surplus of
water in the area 3 (Khovd Gol) and in the areas 4, 5 and 6 water is actually led
directly into the in neighborhood. A distribution of the water in those areas has to be
regulated by the authorities.
86

‣ As shown by the hydrological and climatological data the Buyant Gol in recent years
had enough water to irrigate additionally the potential rehabilitation areas. The
situation can be improved by the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork round 5 km
downstream of Buyant Gol bridge near Khovd Khot. The discharge of this headwork
has to be regulated by the authorities and a more intelligent channel distribution
system would avoid water waste. The transpiration of the water surface of the area
behind the headwork cannot be calculated because the only available data are focused
on the whole drainage basin of Buyant Gol. The calculated transpiration amount of
only 56 mm/a, mentioned above, is fixed on this area and seems to be very low, what
is very improbable under the conditions of this arid zone.
‣ A further extension of the irrigated cultikvation area could be guaranteed by a change
of the irrigation methods. Surface flooding–the most common method of nowadays --
wastes water to in a high amount. Drip irrigation for melons, potatoes, onions etc.
would be much more effective but more costly, however, drip irrigation systems must
be fully serviced all over the year, especially in fall before the start of the frost period.
The water quality for drip irrigation is suitable.
87

6
4
3
5
2
Location of the
headwork
Map9: Surface and Substrat of the Investigation Region
1= Bedrock; 2 = Pediments (coarse detritus); 3 = fluvial deposits of Buyant Gol (pebbles and loamy sediments);
4 = alluvial fan deposits (coarse like pebbles with bad developed A-C soil type); 5 = eolian sand cover (± 100 cm
thick, silty sandy cover sheets on the alluvial fan); 6 = River bottom and high flood bed of Khovd Gol (organic
rich silty/loamy fluvial deposits); 7 = river courses
The geo-accumulation-index of heavy metals is a standard value of the naturally most
distributed heavy metals in rocks and their weathered sediments based on world wide
analyzed data. Compared with these standards there is no serious pollution of heavy metals in
the analyzed samples.
88

Single values of the heavy metal distribution are in relation slightly high. In order to verify
these values, additional samples should have to be analyzed, however, recently there can be
assumed that in the result of measuring a mistake could be make. The Zn values are in some
areas a little bit higher than the geo-acc.-index, what is inside the normal range of natural
background.
№ Sample Zn Cu Mn Fe Cd Pb
[95,0 mg/kg] [45,0 mg/kg] [850 mg/kg]
[0,3 mg/kg] [20,0 mg/kg]
1 2-053 113.84* 22.00 282.38 24600

10
1.
Figure 28
pH
9
8
7
6
5
2 - 052
2 -053
Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
pH
%
9
Figure 29:
Organic matter
7,5
Comment in text
6
4,5
3
1,5
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
organic matter
ppm
215
Figure 30:
Phosphorus
185
155
125
95
65
35
5
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Phosphorus
90

ppm
Figure 31:
Total nitrogen
1055
905
755
605
455
305
155
5
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
mg -eqv/100g
Figure 32:
Carbonate
Nitrogen
2,4
2
1,6
1,2
0,8
Text comment
0,4
0
2 - 052
2 -05 3
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
mg -eqv/100g
2
Figure 33:
Chloride
carbonate
1,75
1,5
1,25
1
0,75
0,5
0,25
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Chloride
91

mg-eqv/100g
4
Figure 34:
Sulfate
3,5
3
2,5
2
1,5
1
0,5
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
mg-eqv/100g
0,4
Figure 35:
Calcium
Sulfate
0,35
0,3
0,25
0,2
0,15
0,1
0,05
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Ca
mg-eqv/100g
6
Figure 36:
Sodium + Potassium
5
4
3
2
1
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Na + K
92

ppm
Figure 37:
Heavy metal - Zn
145
125
105
85
65
45
2 - 05 3
2 - 05 7
2 - 06 4
2 - 06 6
2 - 07 3
3 - 07 7
3 - 08 1
3 - 08 3
3 - 08 5
3 - 08 8
4 - 09 0
4 - 09 6
4 - 09 9
4 - 10 3
4 - 10 8
5 - 11 2
5 - 13 1
5-12 5
5 - 12 8
5 - 11 3
6 - 03 0
6 - 03 3
6 - 03 6
6 - 03 9
6 - 04 4
mg-eqv/100g
0,3
Figure 38:
Magnesium
Zn
0,25
0,2
0,15
0,1
0,05
0
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Mg
ppm
4100
Figure 39: Mineralization
3600
3100
2600
2100
1600
1100
600
100
2 - 052
2 -053
2 - 057
2 - 060
2 - 061
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 071
2 - 072
2 - 075
3 -076
3 - 078
3 - 079
3 - 080
3 - 081
3 - 082
3 - 084
3 - 085
3 - 086
3 - 088
4 - 089
4 - 091
4 - 093
4 - 095
4 - 096
4 - 097
4 - 103
4 - 104
4 - 107
4 - 110
5 - 112
5 - 113
5 - 116
5 -119
5 - 120
5 - 124
5 - 126
5 - 128
5 - 131
5 - 132
6 - 029
6 - 031
6 - 032
6 - 033
6- 036
6 - 039
6 - 040
6 - 044
6 - 046
6 - 048
Mineralization
93

ppm
Figure 40:
Heavy metal - Mn
900
750
600
450
300
150
2 - 053
2 - 057
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 073
3 - 077
3 - 081
3 - 083
3 - 085
3 - 088
4 - 090
4 - 096
4 - 099
4 - 103
4 - 108
5 - 112
5 - 131
5-125
5 - 128
5 - 113
6 - 030
6 - 033
6 - 036
6 - 039
6 - 044
ppm
60
Figure 41:
Heavy metal - Cu
Mn
50
40
30
20
10
2 - 053
2 - 057
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 073
3 - 077
3 - 081
3 - 083
3 - 085
3 - 088
4 - 090
4 - 096
4 - 099
4 - 103
4 - 108
5 - 112
5 - 131
5-125
5 - 128
5 - 113
6 - 030
6 - 033
6 - 036
6 - 039
6 - 044
Cu
ppm
Figure 42:
Heavy metal - Fe
40000
37000
34000
31000
28000
25000
22000
19000
16000
2 - 053
2 - 057
2 - 064
2 - 066
2 - 073
3 - 077
3 - 081
3 - 083
3 - 085
3 - 088
4 - 090
4 - 096
4 - 099
4 - 103
4 - 108
5 - 112
5 - 131
5-125
5 - 128
5 - 113
6 - 030
6 - 033
6 - 036
6 - 039
6 - 044
Fe
94

12. Summary of Field Research and Sample Analysis (S. Bayarkhuu, D. Battsetseg,
and B.Tsevelmaa)
1. The current conditions of animal husbandry-farming in the vicinity of Buyant River
were assessed.
2. Inventories and studies on flora species in the vicinity of Buyant River were
conducted.
3. Inventories and studies on fauna species in the vicinity of Buyant River were
conducted.
4. It was identified that rehabilitation of reservoir in Janjin Boolt area and proper use of
Buyant River would play important roles in keeping the habitats and ranges of
biodiversity in the region without deterioration and establishment of agro-bioceonosis,
one of favourable habitats and ranges. “Fruits” Cooperative and “Otson Chuluu” agroceonosis
can be mentioned here as good examples.
5. It is necessary to restore and re-use the reservoir for the improvement of livelihoods of
local communities through their participation focusing on the sustainable use and
protection of natural resources. Local residents in the vicinity of Buyant River as well
as researchers and scientists have had considerable experiences in cultivating of
vegetables including sorts of some plants endemic to the area on pilot basis, seven
sorts of potatoes, and some kinds of fruits and berries. Therefore such experiences and
practices should be restored. Establishment of agro-biocoenosis that contributes to
positive effects on the vegetation will be essential for making theclimate milder.
6. It is necessary to conduct observations and researches on changes to the vegetation
and soil mezo-fauna species in the vicinity of Janjin Boolt area through the
establishment of special monitoring plots and to use the research results and findings
for the proper use of reservoir in the area.
95

E. Livelihood Assessment of the Farming Population in the Buyant River
Delta (J. Janzen, J. Hartwig and A. Ankhtuya; P. Myagmartseren and
P. Enkhmandakh; G. Gantulga and O. Azjargal)
13. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Khovd sum (J.
Janzen, A. Ankhtuya, andJ. Hartwig)
13.1.Introduction
Khovd sum was established in 1946 as sum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag and in 1955 it became part
of Khovd aimag. The sum center Dund Us is located 30 km northwest of theaimag center and
the sum borders with Deluun sum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag and Duut, Erdeneburen, Myangad,
Buyant, Jargalant sums of Khovd aimag. The highest point is Khavtgai Oroit Mountain which
is 3,776 m above sea level. Covering 282,060 ha, the territory of Khovd sum is composed of
high mountains, mountain steppe and desert steppe.
The sum is divided into five bags: Apart from the sum center Dund Us there are three rural
herders’ bags (Tsagaanburgas, Baruun Salaa, Bayanbulag) and Ulaanburaa bag where the
majority of crop farmers are located.In 2005, 144 households (17%) resided at the sum center
and 722 (83%) in the rural bags (KASY 2005).
Demography, Migration, Ethnic Composition and Poverty
In 2005, 4,644 inhabitants and 866 households lived in Khovd sum. It is the only sum in the
aimag with a majority of Kazak. 96% of the population belongs to Kazak nationality and the
remaining belong to other ethnic and national groups, like Chantuu (Uzbek), Myangad,
Torguud or Khalkh. As can be seen from Fig. 43 the total population increased until 1991 and
declined sharply in 1992 and 1993. This decline was caused by the outmigration of Kazaks to
Kazakhstan (see Fig. 44). In the following years, some migrants returned and the population
increased also due to comparably high birth rates. 16 In recent years, the population decreased
again, caused by net outmigration.
In 2005, 164 households (19%) were classified as poor and out of these 75 (9%) as very poor
households (KASY 2005).
16 In Khovd sum the average household comprises 5.36 members, compared to 4.19 which is the average
household size in Mongolia (NSOM 2006).
96

6,000
5,000
Inhabitants
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Figure 43: Population of Khovd sum (1980-2005)
Source:Statistics provided by the aimag administration
Inmigration
Outmigration
1200
1000
1025
800
Migrants
600
612
400
380
200
76
85
115
144
174
133
86
87
143
0
1989
1990
20
1991
1992
1993
27
0
1994
1995
7
9
34
3
1996
1997
0
Year
26
12
4
6
1998
1999
2
28
18
2000
2001
0
11
0
2002
2003
0
6
0
2004
2005
Figure 44: In-and Outmigration, Khovd sum (1989-2005)
Source:Statistics provided by the sumadministration
97

Mobile Animal Husbandry
The most important livelihood base of Khovd sum’s population is mobile animal husbandry.
In 2005, 558 out of total 866 households were registered as herders and most households
owned at least a smallamount of livestock (KASY 2005). Fig. 45 illustrates the development
of livestock numbers in Khovd sum. It shows a decrease in the beginning of the 1990s caused
by outmigration of herders to Kazakhstan, followed by an increase. After 1997 recurring zud
and drought caused the death of thousands of livestock. However, herds have recovered in
recent years mainly due to more favourable climatic conditions and rising numbers of goats.
140,000
Camel Horses Cattle Sheep Goats Total
120,000
100,000
Livestock
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
Year
Figure45:Livestock Development andComposition, Khovd sum (1983-2005)
Source: Statistics provided by the aimag administration
98

Cultivation Agriculture
In Khovd sum, 1,636 ha are classified as land for cultivation agriculture (ALAGAC, 2005).
The majority of these potential farmlands are located in Ulaanburaa bag in the Buyant River
Delta. During socialism, the negdel of Khovd sum cultivated up to 1,200 ha farmland each
year with fodder crops, cereals, potatoes, vegetables and melons 17 (see Fig. 46). In addition,
crop farmers from Myangad sum’s Davshilt negdel cultivated 200-250 ha on the territory of
Khovd sum, in the northern part of the Buyant River Delta at Doloogiin gazar, Ulaanburaa
bag(see Chapter15).
Vegetables Potatoes Cereals Fodder Crops Total
1,400
1,200
1,000
Sown area (ha)
800
600
400
200
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Source: Statistics provided by the aimag and sum administration
Figure 46: Sown area of negdel and Crop Farmers, Khovd sum (1980-2005)
After the dissolution of the negdel, the sown area declined sharply and the irrigation facilities
went out of use. Cultivation of fodder crops and cereals ceased to almost zero. Since the mid
of the 1990s, crop farming is increasing again. Nowadays, private households and a
cooperative plant mainly potatoes, vegetables and melons. But the farmers from Ulaanburaa
bag are facing serious water access problems. Also at Dund Us -distant from the Buyant
River Delta -several and are irrigated with water from small streams households have started
crop farming on fields that are located close to the sum center. In addition there are still
Myangad farmers at Doloogin gazar and households from Buyant sum have started farming
17 In the statistics, melons are counted as vegetables.
99

on the territory of Khovd sum on fields which are located west of Buyant sum center. In this
area the course of the border between Khovd and Buyant is contested.
According to statistics provided by the sum and aimagadministration in 2005, 334 households
from Khovd sum cultivated 759 ha or 2.27 ha on average per household. This means that 877
ha lie fallow at present. According to the sum Governor there are several households in
Khovd sum who intend to engage in cultivation agriculture if they gain access to irrigated
land.
13.2 Results of Household Survey
The survey covered 59 crop farming households. Out of these, 33 were official residents from
Ulaanburaa bag, 16 from Dund Us, three from Baruunsalaa, two from Bayanbulag and one
from Tsagaanburgas. Two were registered in Buyant sum and one in Chandmani sum of
Khovd aimag. Because of difficulties for non native residents to obtain agricultural land on
the territory of Khovd sum, usually one member of households from other sums registers as
resident of the sum and gets a land title on his /her name.
Myangad
2%
Khalkh
2%
Torguud
2%
13.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and
Spatial Organization
Kazak
94%
Source:Survey results, June 2006
Figure 47: Ethnic Composition of Surveyed
Households, Khovd sum
Person
200
100
0
75 71
144
13
< 7 8-17. 18-59 > 60
Age group
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 48: Age Composition of Surveyed
Households, Khovd sum
Fig. 47 shows the structure of surveyed
households by nationalities and ethnic
groups: 94% were Kazak and the remaining
Myangad, Torguud and Khalkh.
20 of these households reside all year round
in the sum center and five in Ulaanburaa bag
center. The others migrate within 1-15 km.
They have to migrate due to the fact that
they are also engaged in animal husbandry
or because of the mosquito plague from end
of June until end of August at Ulaanburaa.
The households migrate to places north of
the aimag center or to Bult, Doloogiin gazar,
Khar-Us lake, Naimiin gazar and Durviin
gazar. However, at least one or two family
100

members stay at the crop fields. There are also households that reside at the fields during
cultivation season (May to mid October) and stay in aimag and sum centers in winter.
Fig. 48 shows the surveyed household members by age groups. Out of 303 members, 48%
were in labour age between 18 and 59. 82% of school aged children (age of 8-17) visit school
but 18% stay at home to support their parents. This demonstrates that there are absentees drop
outs among the farmers children.
1995-
2005
27%
1985-
1994
20%
60 18-60 years old
Total
Food technologist
Sewing worker
Zoo technologist
Economist
Total
Accountant
Lawyer
Teacher
Veterinarian
Student
Engineer
Ranger
Sanitarian
Driver
Agrarian
Nurse
Administrative
staff
5 1 2 1 1 32 1 1 2 3 11 1 1 1 6 1 1 3
Table 26:Professional Groups among Surveyed Crop Farmers, Khovd sum
Survey results, June 2006
101

13.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing
Farmland and Cultivation
In 2006, the surveyed farming households cultivated 76.49 ha for crop production -that
means 1.29 ha per household on average. The household with the smallest fields cultivated
0.1 ha, the household with the largest cultivated 4 ha. Households who have access to
sufficient water supply also irrigate hayfields. The households in total used 57.75 ha for hay
making, which is about 0.9 ha per household on average.
Potatoes are the most frequently cultivated crops among surveyed farmers and 50% of
farmland is used for potato plantation (see Fig. 50). Watermelons, turnips, carrots, honeydew
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
38.56
8.61
0.4 0.9 0.49 0.75
7
9.74
5.82
0.05
Potatoes
Carrots
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Onions
Cabbages
Turnips
Watermelons
Honedew
Melons
Sown area (ha)
Other
Crops
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 50: Sown Area for Crop Cultivation of Surveyed Households (ha), Khovd sum (2006)
melons and onions come next but cultivation of irrigation intensive crops is limited due to a
lack of irrigation water. None reported to plant cereals or fodder crops.
Harvest, Processing, Marketing and Household Revenues and Expenditures
50 households responded that they were engaged in crop farming in order to meet household
needs as well as to sell crops at the market and the remaining 9 cultivate only for subsistence
needs. On average, farmers claimed to use only 2.5% of their yields for household needs and
the remaining was sold. 18 Fig. 51 shows the size of harvest and crops marketed in 2005/06.
Corresponding to the sown area, potatoes comprise the largest amount of harvest, followed by
water melons, carrots, honeydew melons, turnips and other vegetables.
18 This percentage seems to be to low, during interviews farmers stated to use 5-10% of their harvest for own
consumption and as seeds. E.g. for one hectare about three tones of seed potatoes areneeded.
102

Amount (t)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
501.3
497.3
90.1
90.1
3
2.5
2.5
1.2
0.35
0
11
harvest
9.5
68.5
68.5
129.7
129.7
71
71
0.03
0
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
Melons
Other
Crops
Figure 51: Total Harvest and sold Crops of Surveyed Households, Khovd sum 2005/06
Survey results, June 2006
17% of surveyed households responded that they
would process at least a part of their crop harvest
and 83% don’t (see Fig. 52). Those who do,
preserve cucumbers or mixed salad, mainly for
household needs. Only a small amount of processed
vegetables is sold. As reasons for the relatively
small amount of processing the farmers stated
heavy workload in the harvest season and a lack of
knowledge on how to preserve vegetables.
no
83%
yes
17%
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 52: Vegetable Processing, Khovd
sum (2005)
mobile
traders
21%
sum
center
2%
distant
locations
8%
aimag
center
69%
Figure 53: Crop Marketing, Khovd sum
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Fig. 53 demonstrates that the aimag
center is the core market for harvested
crops. There is also direct sale at the
fields or along the main road to mobile
traders and traders from neighbouring
Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Zavkhan, Govi-Altai
and other aimags. An increasing
tendency in wholesale purchase of crops
by traders from neighbouring aimags was
reported. Prices of crops drop rapidly
during autumn, which reduces the farmers’ income - therefore, most farmers have built
103

storage facilities (See Photo 10-11). If possible, they sell potatoes and other vegetables
suitable for storing in winter or spring, when prices are up. Those farmers, who have no
storage facility or are in urgent need for cash, sell their products cheaply and cause price
drops. This year, the crop prices increased in late spring to the highest level that has ever been
reached (e.g. potatoes up to 400 MNTor carrots up to 700 MNT). Tab. 27 shows the range of
crop prices paid to farmers, average prices, the marketed amount and revenues from
marketing in 2005/2006:
Photo 10-11: Buyant sum center. Entrance and Interior of an Underground Storage
Photos by J. Janzen, October 2006
Crop Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
Melon
Price 70-400 70-700 150-1000 150-500 150- 80-300 70-200 100- 150-500
(MNT)
1,000
400
Average 150 150 400 200 400 150 150 175 200
price*
(MNT)
Marketed 497.3 90.1 2.5 1.2 0 9.5 68.5 129.7 71
amount (t)
Revenues
(Million
MNT)
74.6 13.52 1 0.24 0 1.43 10.28 22,7 14.2
* for which most farmers sold their crops Source: Survey results, June 2006
Table 27: Crop Prices paid to Surveyed Households and Revenues from Marketing, Khovd sum
(2005/2006)
104

Thus calculated, on average each household had approximately 2.3 million MNT revenues
from crop marketing. The expenses for inputs, services, and labour force -like fertilizers,
herbicides, ploughing, workers salary and land fees -on average amounted to approximately
300,000 MNT per household.
Amount
2,500
2300
2,000
1,500
1,000 818
500
179 103
0
0
Sheep
Goats
Cattle/Yaks
Horses
Other
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Thus, average income from
crop farming amounts to
almost 2 million MNT per
household.
Besides crop farming, 39 of
the surveyed households also
own livestock. For the
remaining 20 households
cultivation agriculture is the
Figure 54:Livestock of Surveyed Households, Khovd sum (2006) main source of income.
Fig. 54 shows the composition of households’ livestock herds. They are dominated by goats
which comprise 68% of all livestock and 24% are sheep, which are kept for meat supply.
None had camels nor chickens or pigs. Compared to other livestock, goats generate high
incomes - therefore agropastoralists prefer to keep goats. In spring, sales income from
cashmere covers costs of inputs spent for cultivation. Total revenues from marketing livestock
products like cashmere, hide, skin, and camel and sheep wool amounted to approximately
310,000 MNTper household on average.
Animal
husbandry
12%
Pensions
and Child's
allowance
8%
Cultivation
agriculture
80%
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 55: Shares of Household Income, Khovd sum (2005/06)
Further sources of revenue were
pensions and child’s allowances
amounting 201,000 MNT per
household on average.
Thus, household’s income was
2.5 million MNTon average, of
which 80% were generated
from cultivation agriculture,
12% from animal husbandry
and 8% from pensions and
child’s allowances (see Fig.
55).
105

Loans
40% of surveyed households had taken loans for farming and 60% responded that they never
had taken loans for the following reasons:
• they are able to sustain their farming without loans
• they are willing to obtain loans to expand their farming activities but are not entitled to
because they don’thavesufficient property to mortgage
The amount of loans varied between 500,000 and 2,000,000 MNT with 3-3.5% interest rates
per month. Farmers usually get loans during spring when cultivation starts and repay after
harvest in autumn.
Cooperation among households
Survey findings show that most households do not cooperate in any sphere of agricultural
activities such as irrigation, cultivation, harvest sale or livestock herding (see Fig. 56). Those
who responded that there is some kind of cooperation, were cooperative members or shared
workload with relatives.
Households
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
60
59
55
53
54
4
6
5
0
0
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
Cooperation in
crop farming?
Cooperation in
irrigation?
Cooperation in
preparing of
farmland?
Cooperation in
crop marketing?
Cooperation in
livestock herding?
Figure 56: Cooperation among Farmers’ Households, Khovd sum
Source: Survey results, June 2006
106

13.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution
Land titles and fees
All households involved in the survey hold official land titles for crop and hay fields. In total
they paid 989,300 MNT as land fees to the sums budget. In Khovd sum, the land fee amounts
to 8,000 MNT /ha per year for local residents. The maximum size of cropland that can be
obtained by individual households, is 4 ha.
Need for expansion
59% of surveyed households intend to expand their farmland if water access problems were
solved and 41% do not. Those who responded that they have no desire to expand their
agricultural fields are households with limited labour force. Those 35 households who wished
to expand their farmland stated that they intended to cultivate approximately 100 ha
additionally, that is aboutthree additional hectares per household. If one assumes that 59% or
197 households out of total 334 farming households in Khovd intended to obtain additional
three hectares, there would be a need for 600 ha more irrigated cropland. If irrigation
problems were solved, the cultivated area could increase significantly compared to its present
size.
Constraints and Conflicts
Concerning water availability, 95% answered that they faced problems accessing sufficient
irrigation water. The following constraints are common among surveyed farmers:
• rapid decrease of water availability in recent years
• high waste of water caused by haphazard channels build to the different fields
• lack of irrigation water is the reason that farmlands are not being cultivated
completely, extension of fields is not possible and cultivation of water intensive crops
is limited
• new farmers choose their fields upstream, in areas where sufficient water is available
thus causing concentration and increasing pressure in those areas and less water
availability downstream
• it was claimed that at the remnants and dams from the old Janjin Boolt headwork, ice
is accumulated in the cold season, blocking and hindering the water from flowing to
107

Khovd sum in spring –thus cultivation starts very late compared with the other
agricultural areas 19
In Khovd sum, the most critical period concerning water scarcity is from mid April to May,
when the ice at the former Janjin Boolt headwork is not yet melted. But also in the following
months there is serious water scarcity, especially downstream. According to surveyed
households, the water level in Buyant River is high from end of May to August. However,
during this period there is also high demand for irrigation, often causing water shortages.
Water availability depends very much on the location of the farmland. Farmers at the head of
the channels did not face serious water shortages, whereas at the lower part, water access is
the main problem. Each household has built his own channel to the fields, starting from the
main channels that were constructed during socialist period. This leads to high waste and loss
of water. Aiming at using water more efficient, some respondents suggested the introduction
ofa limited water fee and well organized irrigation systems.
The surveyed farmers mentioned the following additional constraints to crop farming:
• lack of machinery and technology supply, the owners demand high tariffs for
preparation of land
• soil fertility is decreasing in recent years, resulting in an increase of weeds
• cheap imported crops sold at the market have negative impacts on farmers’ income
• lack of access to reasonable loans
• limited access to affordable seeds, especially for onions and new sorts
Rehabilitation of JanjinBoolt Headwork
86% of surveyed households responded that the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt Headwork is
crucial (Fig. 57). Those who responded that they didn’t support the reconstruction or “do not
know” were households, whose farmlands are located upstream with sufficient water supply.
19 This year cultivation started comparably late in the whole Buyant River Delta due to cold weather. But in parts
of the Delta, cultivation commenced mid of May while at Ulaanburaa some households could not sow before
mid of June.
108

Concerning the question “Are you willing to pay a water fee if the irrigation facility is
reconstructed and other irrigation systems are built?” 51% responded that they would pay for
water-but only in case of properly solved water problems. On the other hand,49% refused to
pay, referring to their limited financial assets (Fig. 58). They warned, if such fees were
introduced, many households could not sustain farming and the number of poor households
would increase. Those who were in favour of introducing a water use fee if water supply
problems were solved answered that farmers will gain from it because:
• waste of water would be reduced if farmers stopped digging haphazard channels and
ditches
• ecological condition will improve in the Buyant River Delta if water is saved
13.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta
According to the experience of farmers, farmland degradation is observed during the past 15
years, including:
• frequent storms causing soil degradation,soil is becoming stony
• soil salinization caused by improper use of fertilizer
• with decreasing availability of natural fertilizer from dung, there is an increasing
tendency to usechemicals, which might harm theenvironment
Households
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
51
3 5
Yes No Don't know
Does your household support the
reconstruction of Janjin Boolt
Households
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
30 29
Yes
No
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 57:Support for Rehabilitation of Janjin Boolt
Headwork, Khovd sum
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 58: Support for Introduction of a
Water Fee, Khovd sum
• increase of pests
• farmland abandonment due to a lack of irrigation water
109

Concerningclimate change the following issues were observed:
• weather is becoming dry, windy, with less precipitation, and sudden temperature drops
• less mosquito plagues in the farming region in recent years encourages herders to stay
close to thecrop fields with their livestock without migration, thus creating all sorts of
difficulties
• caragana bushes are cleared for new farmlands thereby changing water flows and
causing desertification
13.2.5 Important Issues forImproving Crop Farming, Expectations from a Development
Project supporting irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and Questions asked from
the Team
The farmers consider thefollowing issues important for improving crop farming:
• arrange present haphazard irrigation channels and ditches to a well organized system
• apply various soil protection measures
• plant trees for the protection of farmlands
• renew seeds and improve varieties
• offer training and workshops on cultivation, processing and marketing
• renew agriculture machineries and technologies and introduce new techniques
• offer instructions and training courses on how to apply fertilizer (a farmer purchased
nitrate fertilizer but both -trader and farmer -had no prior experience of application
and the product had no instruction, therefore the farmer used it according to his own
estimation)
• create conditions that would allow farmland rotation
• restrictions /limitations on cheap imported crops
Following responses were given to the question of “What would you expect from an irrigation
project implemented in Khovd aimag?”
• support in solving water scarcity
• establish proper irrigation channels, ditches and systems
• financial support and other supplementary benefits for crop cultivation (e.g. provide
low interest and long term loans)
• enable access to reasonable fertilizers
• conduct training and seminars in operating cooperatives
110

• support in marketing
• support in development of small processing enterprises
• coordinate land overload along water sources
• there are many projects aimimig at supporting agriculture but many do not reach the
people in need –therefore, well organized projects with participation of the local
population are needed
13.3 Summary
The main findings of field research in the irrigated agriculture of Khovd sum can be
summarized as follows:
1. After a significant decrease of the negdel’s cultivation agriculture in the beginning of
the transition period, since recent years, private households are increasingly engaged
in crop farming, mainly cultivating potatoes, vegetables and melons. Today 39% (334)
out of 866 households in Khovd sum are engaged in cultivation agriculture. Thus, next
to herding, crop farming is the main livelihood strategy in thesum.
2. In 2005, 35% of the aimag’s cultivated land was located within Khovd sum. The core
farming area is located on the territory of Ulaanburaa bag.
3. Surveyed households reported to sell more than 90% of their harvest, showing that
cultivation agriculture is already highly market oriented. Average income from crop
farming amounts to almost 2million MNTper household.
4. In socialism, the sum’s negdel used to cultivate up to 1,200 ha farmland and by the
year 2005 the size of farmland was only 759 ha. Although there are potential land
resources for expanding farming activities and the farmers expressed their strong
intention to expand cultivation agriculture, further extension seems impossible under
the present situation, due to scarcity of irrigation water.
5. 95% of households responded that they face problems with irrigation water scarcity
and 86% supported the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork. In other words, there
is a strong need for reconstructing theheadwork and improving the irrigation channels
and systems. It would enable more households to cultivate -aiming at sustaining and
improving their livelihoods -and others to expand their farming activities and the
variety of cultivated crops. Moreover, by increasing production, the farmers could also
meet rising crop demands of neighbouringaimags.
111

6. Further limitations to cultivation agriculture were reported to be declining soil fertility
and insufficient access to fertilizer, machinery, seeds and long term and low interest
loans.
14. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Myangad
sum (J. Janzen, A. Ankhtuya, and J. Hartwig)
14.1 Introduction
Myangad sum is located north of theaimag center and it borders with Erdeneburen sum to the
west, Buyant and Khovd sum to the south, Durgun sum to the east and Uvs aimag to the
north. Its territory is composed of high mountains, mountain-steppe and desert steppe
covering 325,800 ha. The highest peak is Altan Khukhii Uul, which is 3,350 m above sea
level.
The sum’s name “Myangad” means “Group of Thousand”: The ancestors of the Myangads
submitted their request to the Bogd Khan to become as a separate khushuu (administrative
unit) and presented him a fine carpet. The Bogd Khan accepted the carpet and agreed to their
request –but only if the number of their men reached one thousand. Unfortunately it did not,
so they dressed up young ladies as men and hang a knife from their belts -as men do. Thus
they made up a thousand men and got their permission to form an own khushuu. Untilrecent
years, unmarried young ladies kept the tradition to hang a knife on their belts. According to
historical data, the Myangads settled at their present territory in 1766 (Myangad sum
introduction, 2005).
In 1931 the sum was established by a government resolution and became part of Khovd
aimag. The sum is divided into five bags: Bayanbulag is the sum center and Chatsargant,
Gakhait, Tsagaanbulan, Bayankhoshuu are rural herders’ bags.
Demography, Ethnic Composition and Poverty
In 2005, 3,623 inhabitants (805 households) lived in Myangad sum. 158 households (20% of
total) resided at the sum center and 647 (80% of total) in the rural bags. As can be seen from
Fig. 59 the sum population increased until 1996 and has since been declining due to a net
outmigration. This was caused in parts by drought and zud, during which herders lost many
livestock. In 2005, 290 households (36% of total) were classified as poor and out of these 147
(18% of total) as very poor households (KASY 2005). 70% of the population belongs to the
112

Inhabitants
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Source:Statistics provided by the aimag administration
Figure 59: Population of Myangad sum (1980-2005)
Myangad ethnic group. In addition there are Durvuds in Tsagaanbulan bag and other ethnic
and national groups, many of whom live in the sum center.
Mobile Animal Husbandry
Until today, the most important livelihood base of Myangad sum’s population is mobile
animal husbandry. In 2005, 619 out of total 805 households were registered as herders and
698 households owned livestock. Fig. 60 shows the development of livestock numbers in
Myangad sum. As typically for Mongolia it shows an increase after 1990 followed by a sharp
Livestock
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Camels Horses Cattle Sheep Goats Total
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
Year
Source: Statistics provided by the aimag administration
Figure 60:LivestockDevelopment and Composition, Myangad sum (1983-2005)
decline after 1997 due to zud and drought. However, herds have recovered since 2003, mainly
due to more favourable climatic settings and rising numbers of goats.
113

Cultivation Agriculture
During socialism, the Davshilt negdel of Myangad sum cultivated 200-250 ha farmland each
year with fodder crops, melons, onions, garlic, potatoes and other vegetables (see Fig. 61).
The farmlands were not located on the territory of Myangad but of Khovd sum, in the
northern part at Doloogiin gazar. 20
250
Vegetables Potatoes Cereals Fodder Crops Total
200
Sown Area (ha)
150
100
50
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Figure 61: Sown Area of negdel and Crop Farmers, Myangad sum (1980-2005)
Source: Statistics provided by aimag administration
After the dissolution of the negdel, the sown area declined sharply. Nowadays, private
households and one cooperative cultivate potatoes, vegetables and melons. In 2006, 53
households cultivated 57 ha including fields located on the territory of Khovd and Buyant
sums. 21
Some households have been engaged in cultivation agriculture since 1959 when the
vegetables brigade of the Davshilt negdel was established. Others started cultivation after
20 The total size of the Doloogiin gazar amounted to 300-400 ha. Each year part of the cropland was used for
cultivation whilst the remaining lay fallow.
21 42 households cultivated 45 ha at Doloogiin gazar, two households 7 ha at the 108-iin gazar (Buyant sum) and
nine households 5 ha at the Khovd River at Khunztin bulan (Myangad sum) (Information provided by sum
administration, June 2006)
114

1995. There are cases of former negdel crop farmers that had stopped cultivation in the
beginning of the 1990s and turned to animal husbandry but returned to crop farming in recent
years. Some farmers have started cultivating new lands along the Khovd River at Khunztin
bulan, on the territory of Myangad sum, Tsagaanbulan bag. Their main problem was reported
to be the need for expensive water pumps in order to pump water from the Khovd River. The
pumps often brake down and spare parts are hardly available. According to the sum Governor,
on the territory of Myangad sum potential farmland is available. If irrigation problems are
solved, severalpoor households intend to engage in cultivation agriculture.
14.2 Results of Household Survey
14.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization
The survey covered six crop farmers’ households. They are registered in Myangad sum
although they are cultivating fields at Doloogiin gazar of Ulaanburaa bag, Khovd sum. 22
Three surveyed households belonged to Myangad ethnic group, two were Uzbek and one was
Kazak.
Besides crop farming, all surveyed households are also engaged in animal husbandry. Four of
them do not migrate; they stay close to their farmlands the whole year round. One answered
that they migrate to Doloogiin gazar during cultivating season and stay during winter at the
sum center from October to April. The remaining household stays at the shores of Khar Us
lake from April to September and close to Khovd River from September to April. During the
cultivating season they come to their fields in the morning and return in the afternoon.
By age groups, 7% out of survey involved 30 residents were above the age of 60, 63%
between 18 and 60, 20% between 7 and 17 and 10% below 7 years old. Among them were
three former truck- and one combine-driver. All children at school age attended school. At
present, all 21 residents above the age of 18 involved in the survey had no regular jobs apart
from agropastoralism.
22 Formally these households belong to Myangad sum but have been residing at Doloogiin gazar since socialist
times.
115

14.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing
Farmland and Cultivation
The six farming households cultivated a totalof 14.6 ha land for crop farming -that means 2.4
ha per household on average, which represents a comparably large size. The household with
the smallest field cultivated 1 ha, the household with the largest cultivated 5.9 ha. 23
Households who have access to sufficient water supply also possess hayfields. The surveyed
households in total use 16.4 ha land for hay making.
As the results show (Fig. 62), households mainly cultivated potatoes, which are planted on 8.9
ha or 61 %of their cultivated fields. This was explained by the fact that potatoes require less
irrigation than other crops and generate comparatively high yields. There is only limited
cultivation of melons, carrots, cabbage and other vegetables and none of the households
cultivated cereals.
10
9
8.9
8
Sown area (ha)
7
6
5
4
3
2.3
2
1
0
P o tato e s
1.15
Carrots
0.25 0.3
T o m atoes
Cucumbe rs
0.05
O nions
0.6
Cabba g es
0.1
T urnips
W a te r m elons
0.9
H oneydew
m e lons
0
O ther
Crops
Figure 62: Sown Area for Crop Cultivation of Surveyed Households (ha), Myangad sum 2006
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Harvest and Household Revenues
All households responded that they were engaged in crop farming in order to meet their
household needs as well as to sell crops at the market. Fig. 63 shows the size of harvest and
23 In addition this household possessed 7 ha of hayfields.
116

products marketed in 2005/06. Farmers used up to 5% of their yields for household needs and
the remaining was sold. All surveyed households responded that they sold their products at
the market in the aimag center and also to traders from neighboring aimags. In general, there
is neither an elaborated marketing system nor regular buyers -therefore farmers sell their
products depending on the current market situations.
The market price for crops differs from year to year and from season to season. Thus
households with storage facilities can sell parts of their harvest for higher prices in winter or
250
200
193.4
183.3
150
100
50
0
15.5
15.5
5
5
harvest
5.7
sold
5.7
harvest
0.3
sold
0.28
harvest
7
sold
7
15
8
30
30
9
9
0
0
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
Amount (t)
Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
melons
Other
Crops
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 63: Total Harvest and sold Crops of SurveyedHouseholds, Myangad sum 2005/06
spring. Tab. 28 shows the range of crop prices paid to farmers, average prices, the marketed
amount and revenues from marketing in 2005/2006:
117

Crops Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
Melons
Price 70-400 70-700 150-1000 150-500 150- 80-300 70-200 100- 150-500
(MNT)
1000
400
Average 150 150 400 200 400 150 150 175 200
price*
(MNT)
Marketed 183.3 15.5 5 5.7 0.28 7 8 30 9
amount (t)
Revenues 27.5 2.33 2 1.14 0.11 1.05 1.2 5.25 1.8
(Million
MNT)
*for which most farmers sold their crops
Source: Survey results, June
2006
Table 28: Crop Prices paid to Surveyed Households and Revenues from Marketing, Myangad sum
(2005/06)
Thus calculated, on average each household had approximately 7million MNTrevenues from
crop marketing. The average expenses for inputs, services and labor force were reported to be
360,000 MNT per household. 24 Thus an average household’s income from crop farming is
approximately 6.7 million MNT.
Besides crop farming, the
Amount
475
500
surveyed households are
400
also engaged in animal
300
husbandry. Fig. 64 shows
200
the composition of
100 51
31 41
households’ livestock
0
0
herds. On average a
Sheep
Goats
Cattle/Yaks
Horses
Other
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 64: Livestock of Surveyed Households, Myangad sum 2006
household owned 87 small
livestock and 12 cattle and
horses. The herds are
dominated by goats which
comprise 79% of all
livestock. None had camels nor chickens or pigs. Sheep are kept for food supply, whereas
goats are kept mainly for income generation. In spring, income from cashmere covers cost of
inputs spent for cultivation. Total average revenues from marketing of livestock products,
mainly cashmere, was 830,000MNTper household.
24 The reported expenses seem to be to low, indicating that not all expenses could be measured.
118

Further sources of revenue were pension and child’s allowances amounting to 198,000 MNT
Marketing
of livestock
products
11%
Pension and
child's
allowance
3%
Figure 65: Shares of Households’ Revenue
Loans
Crop
marketing
86%
Source: Survey results, June 2006
per household on average(Fig.
65).
According to these information
the surveyd crop farmers have
comparable high revenues
showing that well managed
cultivation agriculture can
significantly contribute to
poverty alleveation.
Five households had taken bank loans for crop farming purposes. The amount of loans span
from 900,000 to 1,300,000 MNT and were allocated by the sum’s KHAAN Bank. Loans are
received in spring and spent for fertilizer, ploughing, cultivation and so on and have to be
repaid after harvest sales.
Cooperation among households
The survey showed that most households do not cooperate in any sphere of crop farming such
as irrigation, cultivation, harvest and so on Fig. 66. The farmers explained that cultivation
should start almost at the same time for all -if they cooperated and worked on the fields
together, the one whose fields were cultivated at last would be too late. Only one household
responded that it was cooperating with a kin, supporting each other in irrigation, cultivation
and marketing. This household also owned many livestock which were herded in summer by
another herder’s household.
119

Households
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
Cooperation in
crop farming?
Cooperation in
irrigation?
Cooperation in
preparing of
farmland?
Cooperation in
crop marketing?
Cooperation in
livestock herding?
Figure 66: Cooperation among Farmers’ Households
Source: Survey results, June 2006
14.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution
Land titles and fees
All survey involved farmers held official land titles for crop and hay fields. The six
households in total possessed 14.6 ha of farmland and 16.4 ha land for hay making. In Khovd
sum, where the fields are located, the farmers pay 8,000 MNT /ha land fee per year. The
households stated that in 2005 they had paid the total sum of 302,000 MNTto the Khovd sum
budget. Some households claimed that the amount they had to pay was higher than the official
land fee.
Need for expansion
Three households responded that they needed more farmland for expansion. The others did
not have such desire considering they had enough land. Those households who wished to
cultivate more land responded that they needed in total 8 ha additionally, which is about 2.6
ha per household. Three households had already submitted their request to the sum
administration for more farmland. According to the sum’s agricultural specialist, there are
several households in the sum willing to involve in crop farming in case irrigation problems
are solved.
120

Constraints and Conflicts
Concerning water availability, the following constraints are common among surveyed
farmers:
• water reaches the fields very late in spring
• the fields are located downstream of Buyant and Khovd sums’ farmland, therefore
there is a lack of irrigation water 25
The households responded that Buyant River has its highest level in July and the lowest level
in April and May. In spring, irrigation water reaches their farmland with delay because their
fields are located at the end of the Buyant River Delta and the crop farmers located further
south use water intensively for irrigation.
Most of the surveyed households had no ideas on how to improve efficient use of water.
However, they expressed their desire for scientific research to find applicable solutions and if
those were developed they expressed their readiness for support.
The survey involved farmers mentioned the following additional constraints to crop farming:
• financial issues
• increase of pests
• lack of agricultural machineries and technology; high input expenditures for farming
activities where machineries are used
Rehabilitation of JanjinBoolt Headwork
Households
5
4
3
2
1
0
Yes
No
Do you support the reconstruction of
Janjin Boolt headwork?
Households
5
4
3
2
1
0
Yes
No
Would you agree to pay a water fee?
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 67: Support for Reconstruction of Janjin
Boolt Headwork
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 68: Support for Introduction of a Water
Fee
25 But the farmers had built their own irrigation channels using water from a stream at Buyant sum. Thus,
compared with other farmers in Khovd sum, the water availability, even if not sufficient, seemed to be better.
This would explain the comparable large size of fields and good harvest results.
121

Four households supported the reconstruction of the headwork at Janjin Boolt and two
households did not -explaining that too much had been talked about the reconstruction since
many years without any results (see Fig. 67).
Concerning the question “Would you agree to pay a water fee if the irrigation facility is
reconstructed and other irrigation systems are maintained?” two households agreed to pay and
fouranswered that it is too early to talk about water fees or that they could not afford (see Fig.
68).
14.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta
According to experienced farmers, farm land degradation has been observed over the past 15
years such as:
• rapid decrease of soil fertility
• seed quality is worsening resulting in poor harvest
• same type of crops are being cultivated for many years without letting the fields rest -
thus harming soil fertility and yields
Concerningclimate change the following issues were observed:
• sudden temperature drops and increasing tendency of windy and stormy days
• less precipitation
14.2.5 Important Issues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a Development
Project Supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and Questions Asked
from the Research Team
The farmers consider the following issues important for improving crop farming:
• applying various soil protection measures
• irrigating farmlands in autumn for the next cultivation period and applying fertilizer
• renew obsolete seeds
The following responses were given to the question of “What would you expect from an
irrigation project implemented in Khovd aimag?”
• resolve water access issues
• convert present haphazard channels and ditches into a proper irrigation system
• supportseed renewing
• support small production enterprise development
122

• limit import of cheap crops
The following additional ideas and questions were asked from the research team:
• build a large water reservoir for use when there is limited water supply
• it’s necessary to rebuild main water channels reaching core farming regions and
elaborate plans for smaller channels to the fields
• introduce a limited water fee, which would reduce waste of water and inefficient use
14.3 Summary
The main findings of field research in the irrigated agriculture of Myangad sum can be
summarized as follows:
1. In socialism, the Davshilt cooperative of Myangad sum cultivated 200-250 ha on the
territory of Khovd sum.At present, 53 households are cultivating 57 ha farmland.
2. All members of surveyed households had no permanent jobs apart from crop farming
and livestock herding.
3. The households sell about 95% of their crop harvest at the market. Incomes from crop
marketing amount to approximately 6.7 million MNT per household on average,
representing 86% percent of their household’s income. These comparably high figures
show that well managed crop farming can significantly contribute to food security,
income generation and poverty alleviation.
4. Sum residents are seeking ways to develop new farmland. New land is being
cultivated at Khunzatin bulan along the Khovd River and irrigation is provided by
pumps. But these are supposed to be very expensive and spare parts rare.
5. Several poor households are interested to take up crop farming. In addition 50% of
surveyed farmers are willing to extend their farmlands if irrigation problems are
solved. According to the sum Governor, on the territory of Myangad sum potential
new farmland is available.
6. Mayor constraints to crop farming are limited access to irrigation water, ineffective
irrigation channels, declining soil fertility and low seed quality.
7. The majority of surveyed households supported the plan of the reconstruction of Janjin
Boolt headwork.
123

Considering above listed factors it can be concluded that the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt
headwork and taking further measures to introduce effective use of scarce water resources
is necessary in order to alleviate poverty and secure livelihoods.
15. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Buyant
sum (P. Myagmartseren, P. Enkhmandakh, A. Ankhtuya, andJ. Hartwig)
15.1 Introduction
Buyant sum was established in 1926. The sum center Norjinkhairkhan is located 25 km
northwest from the aimag center and the sum borders with Mankhan, Duut, Khovd and
Myangad sums of Khovd aimag. Covering 375,900 ha, the territory of Khovd sum is
composed of mountain steppe and desert steppe. The sum is divided into five bags: Apart
from the sum center Norjinkhairkhan there are four rural bags (Tsagaanburgas,
Narankhairkhan, Nariin Gol and Tsagaan Ereg). In 2005, 269 households (36%) resided at the
sumcenter and 486 (64%) in the rural bags (KASY 2005).
Demography, Migration, Ethnic Composition and Poverty
In 2005, 3,759 inhabitants and 755 households lived in Buyant sum. The sum has the most
diversified ethnic composition of all sums in Khovd aimag (see Fig. 69). In 2005, 216
households (39%) were classified as poor and out of these 75 (10%) as very poor households
(see Fig. 70, KASY 2005).
As can be seen from Fig. 71 the total population has been declining since the beginning of the
transition period due to outmigration. According to the sum administration, outmigration is
caused by a lack of employment.
124

Chantuu
(Uzbek)
Durvid
4%
7%
Zakhchin
13%
Kazak
35%
Other
3%
Khalkh
38%
Poor
29%
Very
Poor
10%
Not
Poor
61%
Source: Statistics provided by the sum administration
Figure 69: Ethnic Composition of Buyant Sum
Population(2005)
Source: Statistics provided by the sum administration
Figure 70: Poverty in Buyant sum (2005)
Inha bita nts
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Data from 1985 and 1991 seem to be an error in measurement
administration
Figure 71: Population of Buyant sum (1980-2005)
Source:Statistics provided by theaimag
Mobile Animal Husbandry
The most important livelihood base of Buyant sum’s population is mobile animal husbandry.
In 2004, 476 households were registered as herders and 634 households owned at least a small
amount of livestock. Fig. 72 shows the development of livestock numbers in Buyant sum. It
shows a decrease at the end of the 1990s caused by zud and drought but herds have recovered
in recent years due to more favourable climatic conditions and rising numbers of goats.
125

Camel Horses Cattle Sheep Goats Total
120,000
100,000
Livestock
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
Year
Figure 72:Livestock Development and Composition, Buyant sum (1983-2005)
Source: Statistics provided by theaimag administration
Cultivation Agriculture
In Buyant sum, 1,976 ha are classified as land for crop farming (ALAGAC, 2005). The
majority of these potential farmlands are located in Norjinkhairkhan bag in the Buyant River
Delta. During socialism, a fodder crop farm was established in Buyant sum. Together with the
negdel’s crop fields, up to over 2,000 ha farmland was cultivated each year with fodder crops,
cereals, potatoes,vegetables and melons 26 (see Fig. 73).
2,500
2,000
Vegetable Potatoes Cereals Fodder Crops Total
Sown Area
1,500
1,000
500
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Figure 73: Sown Area of Buyant sum (1980-2005)
Source: Statistics provided by the aimag and sum administration
After the dissolution of the fodder crop farm and the negdel, the sown area declined sharply
and the irrigation facilities went out of use. Cultivation of fodder crops and cereals ceased to
almost zero. Since the mid of the 1990s crop farming is increasing again. Nowadays private
26 In the statistics, melons are counted as vegetables.
126

households and five cooperatives plant mainly potatoes, vegetables and melons. According to
statistics provided by the sum and aimag administration, in 2005, 321 households from
Buyant sum cultivated 482 ha or 1.5 ha on average per household. 27
Myangad
4%
Kazak
34%
Other
5%
Tuva
6%
Chantuu
11%
Khalkh
40%
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 74: Ethnic Composition of Surveyed
Households, Buyant sum
This means that
approximately 1,500 ha lie fallow at present -mainly due to lack of water for irrigation
according to the sum administration. The current fields are located in two main areas within
the Norjinkhairkhan bag: North of the aimag center, at Durviin gazar, and in the vicinity of
the sum center. In recent years residents from Buyant sum have also started crop farming on
fields located on the territory of Khovd sum, Ulaanburaa bag, west of the Buyant sum center.
In this area, the course of the border between Khovd and Buyant is contested. According to
the sum administration, there are several households in the sum who intend to engage in
cultivation agriculture if they gain access to
irrigated land. In addition, the administration has
signed a contract with aChinese investor. The
investor will start wheat cultivation in 2007 on
up to 500 ha land in the Buyant River Delta at
Zakhin guu. At present, this land lies fallow. This
was explained with problems arising from water
availability. Nevertheless, asked how the investor
would solve the irrigation problem, it was
answered that the available amount of water was
considered sufficient by the investor to irrigate the land for wheat cultivation.
15.2 Results of Household Survey
The survey covered 53 households. Out of these, 48 were official residents of the sum center
Norjinkhairkan bag, two were registered in Nariin gol bag and three in Jargalant sum. Out of
surveyed households 50 were actually engaged in crop cultivation. Two were members of a
herder’s cooperative. One household mentioned that he has no time and experience, therefore
is not interested in farming.
15.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization
Out of all surveyed households 81.1% (43) had 4-6 family members, 9.4% (5) had 6-12,
remaining households had less than four members. Most households (92.4% or 49) had 2-4
27 According to the sum administration, titles for a total of589 ha farmlands have been given to local households
and cooperatives. The number of official land title holders was stated to be 92 thus much less than the number of
registered crop farming households. This was explained by the fact that often several households without land
titles are cultivating fields which are possessed by relatives. The maximum field size a household is allowed to
posses in Buyant sum is three ha.
127

children at school age. 88.5% (46) of the households had 1-5 unemployed members, living
mainly from agriculture. Apart from crop farmers and agropastoralists, the survey covered
two herder’s households and 11 government officials and workers. Fig. 74 shows the structure
of surveyed households by nationalities and ethnic groups: The majority belonged to Khalkh
and Kazak and the remaining to Uzbek (Chantuu), Tuva, Myangad, and other ethnic groups.
Agropastoralists who possess large livestock herds migrate seasonally according to the
following patterns:
Winter: In the areas of Buyant River, Burgastain River, Zamiya River, Zegestei, Shar
Caragana, Tsagaan River, Nariin River, Shalbaagiin khaya.
Spring:Mainly remain in the wintering areas or nearby.
Summer: In the areas of Ulaan bogoch and at Bugat uzuur (restricted in recent years due to
cattle disease).
Autumn: Remain in summer areas or move toward wintering areas. Some households with
large herds settle for about a month in the Buyant RiverDelta and along Khovd River for hay
harvest.
Crop farming households who cultivate fields close to the sum center live at the centerand do
not settle permanently at the fields -instead only few family members stay at the farmland or
come in the morning and return in the afternoon. 28 Due to the mosquito plague in summer, the
sum center itself is being moved to Durviin gazar, north of the aimag center, where gers are
set up. Even the administration and the hospital participate in the seasonal movement.
Crop farmers can be divided in following three groups:
1. Households with several generations lasting farming experience in cultivation agriculture
2. Households farming since 1990 who started their activities due to struggling with poverty
during transition
3. Government officials and workers including the governor himself, the deputy governor,
environmental and agriculture inspectors, firemen, guards and so on, together with their
family members cultivating crops to meet household needs and additionally to sell at the
market.
28 Some households have built small shelters at their farmland where household members stay from spring to fall.
128

15.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing
Farmland and Cultivation
30
26,9
25
Sown Area (ha)
20
15
10
5
0
5,7
2,83
1,09
0,51
5,46
3,92
11,7
1,85
1,07
Potatoes
Carrots
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Onions
Cabbages
Turnips
Watermelons
Honeydew
Melons
Other
Crops
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 75: Sown Area for Crop Cultivation of Surveyed Households, Buyant sum (2006)
In 2006, the surveyed households, out of which 50 were engaged in crop farming, cultivated
61 ha -on average 1.22 ha per household. The household with the smallest fields cultivated
0.05 ha, cooperative members with the largest fields cultivated 7 ha. Potatoes are the most
often cultivated crop among surveyed farmers and 44% of farmland is used for potato
plantation (see Fig. 75). Watermelons, carrots, cabbage, turnips and tomatoes come next and
there is only limited cultivation of cucumbers and onions. None reported to plant cereals or
fodder crops.
Some livestock owning households also possess hayfields which are located mainly east of
the sum center and vary from 0.6 ha to 3 ha. The hayfields and farmlands are fenced by iron
nets or with fences made from Caragana shrubs.
129

Harvest, Processing, Marketing and Household Revenues and Expenditures
According to survey results, on average farmers used 2% of their yields for household needs
and the remaining harvest were sold. 29 Fig. 76 shows the size of harvest and products
marketed in 2005/06. Corresponding to the sown area, potatoes comprise the largest amount
of harvest, followed by watermelons, carrots, cabbage, turnips, honeydew melons and other
vegetables.
The farmers sell their crops either at the market in the aimag center or to mobile traders. Parts
of the harvest is sold in autumn to pay back bank loans, the rest is kept in own storage
facilities or in those of others against payment. Afew farmers have no possibility to store at
all, thus have to sell all their crops in autumn when prices are cheap. Most of the farmers
involved in the survey do not process their harvest apart from cucumbers, mixed salad or
500
473.1
463.1
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
121.6
120
176.5
176.5
100
50
0
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
80
78.6
68.1
68.1
7.7
7.7
3.55
3.55
63.8
63.8
38.5
38.5
7
7
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
harvest
sold
Amount (t)
Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
Melons
Other
Crops
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 76: Total Harvest and sold Crops of Surveyed Households, Buyant sum 2005/06
tomatoes which are conserved in small amounts. These are used for households needs as well
as for marketing.
Tab. 29 shows the range of crop prices paid to farmers, average prices, the marketed amount
and revenues from marketing in 2005/2006.
29 As already seen from Chapter 14.2.2, also this percentage seems to be too low.
130

Crops Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes Cucumbers
Onions Cabbages Turnips Watermelons
Honeydew
Melons
Price 70-400 70-700 150-1000 150-500 150- 80-300 70-200 100- 150-500
(MNT)
1000
400
Average 150 150 400 200 400 150 150 175 200
price*
(MNT)
Marketed 463.1 78.6 68.1 7.7 3.55 120 63.8 176.5 38.5
amount (t)
Revenues 69.47 11.79 27.24 1.54 1.42 18 9.57 30.88 7.70
(million
MNT)
* for which most farmers sold their crops Source: Survey results, June
2006
Table 29: Crop Prices paid to Surveyed Households and Revenues from Marketing, Buyant sum
(2005/2006)
Thus calculated, on average each household had approximately 3.55 million MNT revenues
from crop marketing.
Regarding the expenses for inputs, the following information was given:
One truck of natural fertilizer from dung costs between 10,000 and 30,000 MNT -depending
on whether it is being delivered to the farmers or whether the farmers buy it themselves from
the herders. For 1 ha up to 10 trucks of dung fertilizer is used. 50 kg nitrate fertilizer costs
30,000 MNT, for 1 ha up to 400 kg nitrate fertilizer is used. 1litre of herbicides costs about
10,000 -15,000 MNT, for 1 ha 1.5 l is used. Some producers noted that the herbicides sold by
projects had no effects on weeds. It costs approximately 100,000 MNT to have 1 ha land
ploughed. During summer there is a need to use a cultivator twice, which costs about 100,000
MNT. But this measure is only implemented by more wealthy farmers with larger fields. In
case field workers are employed, their salary amounts to 1,500 -2,000 MNT per day, along
with free meals. Many farmers produce seeds by themselves. Occasionally, farmers purchase
new seeds to improve the quality of their seeds. Seed prices were stated as follows:
Seed potato –1 kg 350MNT: For 1 ha 2-3 t seed potatoes are needed
Carrot seeds –1 kg 25,000MNT: For 1 ha 3 kg carrot seeds are needed
Turnip seeds –1 kg 45,000 MNT:For 1 ha 1.5 kg turnip seeds are needed
For 7 ha crop land the “State Champion Farmer” reported inputs of about 2,000,000 MNT;
another farmer with 0.35 ha stated to need 200,000 MNT input. On average, the expenses for
inputs, services and labour force like fertilizers, herbicides, ploughing, workers salary and
land fees amounted to approximately 445,000 MNT per household. Thus average income
from crop farming amounts to approximately 3.1million MNTper household.
131

Pension
and
Child's
allowance
8,6 %
Salaries
8,4 %
Animal
husbandry
9 %
Cultivation
agriculture
73%
Photo 12: Agropastoralists
Photo by P. Myagmartseren, June 2006
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 77: Shares of Household Income
Other income sources of survey respondents
Besides crop farming, 71.6% of surveyed households also own livestock, predominantly goats
followed by sheep and cattle. Half of these households leave their livestock at relatives, the
remaining employ herdsmen or split the workload among family members.
Total revenues from marketing livestock products, amounted to approximately 430,000 MNT
per household on average. Further sources of revenue were pensions and child’s allowances,
amounting 392.500 MNT per household on average. Thus, on average household’s income
was almost 4.6 million MNTof which 74 % were generated from cultivation agriculture, 9 %
from animal husbandry and 8.6 % from pensions and children’s allowances and 8.4 % from
salaries (see Fig. 77).
Loans
41 households answered that they received bank loans, mostly from KHAAN, Mongol
shuudan- and Zoos Bank. The loans amounted from 150,000 to 500,000 MNT with 3.5%
interest rates per month. For those who have no official employment, getting a bank loan is a
difficult task. Loan repayment conditions require interest payment every month and in
addition, to pay the loan within the time limit, the farmers need to sell their harvest in autumn
at low prices. Households with livestock cover the interest with income from cashmere and
repay the loan after harvest.
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Cooperation among households
Concerning the question if
they cooperate with other
farmers 37 households
responded that they
cooperated in maintaining
dams, irrigation channels and
setting water blocks. At
Durviin gazar they form
groups of 10-20 households
called “Channel group”, to set
Photo by P. Myagmartseren, June 2006
up and maintain irrigation
Photo 13: Cooperation in Maintenance of Channels, Buyant sum channels, schedule water use
by certain days and make decisions on farming issues collectively. However, apart from those
households who formed a cooperative, in general households do not cooperate in preparing
land for cultivation and harvesting. During the harvest season friends, family members and
relatives often join their labour force. In addition, two households from the “Tsuurai” herders’
group answered that they cooperate in livestock herding (Photo 13).
15.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution
Land titles and fees
The maximum size of cropland that can be obtained by individual households in Buyant sum
is three hectare. All farmers involved in the survey claimed to have alegal permission to
possess land for crop farming or as hay fields. The land fee amounts to 8,000 MNTper ha for
local residents and for non residents this sum it is 18,000 MNT per ha. Farmers stated that
disputes exist, when fees are paid only for cultivated but not for fallow land.
Need for expansion
According to the sum administration, there are several households in the sum who intend to
engage in cultivation agriculture if they gain access to irrigated land. 22% of surveyed
households responded that they intend to expand their farmland. The main constraint to
enlargement is the availability of irrigation water. Most of these households are interested in
enlarging their fields up to the legally allowed maximum of three ha.
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Constraints and Conflicts
47% responded that water shortage is the main issue and limiting factor for cultivation
agriculture. Downstream of the former Janjin Boolt headwork, where the Buyant River
divides into several narrow streams, there is limited water availability at the farmlands. The
survey showed that water availability is sufficient upstream at Durviin gazar. Here, farmers
take their water for irrigation from Ulaanbogoch Spring and from the Buyant River. The main
problem is that the overflow of the river is frozen during the cold season thus limiting early
farming in spring. In general, households responded that there is a high demand for irrigation
water at the beginning of May and during July, thus the most serious constraints appear in
these months.
Most of surveyed households had concrete ideas how to use water more efficient. Some
farmers were blamed not to block the water channels after irrigating their hay fields, resulting
in water shortage for those who cultivate downstream. In other words, the channel needs
reliable blocks so that water is not wasted.
The survey involved farmers mentioned the following additional constraints to crop farming:
• high costfor seeds and fertilizer and herbicides
• seeds and chemicals provided by projects were expired or not sufficient
• high leasing cost for machinery and equipment
• no sufficient storage facilities to keep harvested crops
• wholesale traders pay low prices for crops and they calculate the weight to low
• there are frequent conflicts with farmers from Jargalant and Khovd sum concerning
the use of irrigation water from Buyant River
Rehabilitation of JanjinBoolt Headwork
Number of Households
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
29
13
11
Yes No Don't know
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 78:Support for Rehabilitation of Janjin Boolt Headwork,
Buyant Sum
54% (29) of surveyed households
responded that they supported the
reconstruction of Janjin Boolt
headwork and 25% (13) did not.
21% (11) households were
indifferent(see Fig. 78).
At Durviin gazar, households
responded that they would not
benefit from the reconstruction
134

ecause their farmlands are located upstream where water supply was sufficient. Nevertheless
many supported theplan, understanding the importance of water availability for other farmers
and herders downstream which would benefit directly. Those who answered they wouldn’t
support the reconstruction were farmers who feared that Buyant sum would get less water
afterwards or who wished to have supportto improve their channels instead. Many expressed
that they would only support the reconstruction if afterwards Buyant sum gets 70% and
Khovd sum 30% of the available water resources. This was esteemed to constitute the present
water distribution. Officials reminded that Buyant River water is used not only by crop
farmers but also by herders, whose winter and spring camps are located downstream of the
cultivated land. Therefore, there is a threat to face a lack of water at those sites, leading to
pastureland degradation. In addition, wetlands with shrubs along Buyant River may dry out
causing ecological imbalance. Therefore, in case the facility is reconstructed,the Buyant sum
wishes to have 70% of water collected in the headwork. Most of surveyed households
reminded that in case the facility is reconstructed, a water distribution and decision making
councilwould have to be established, as well as proper guarding. Otherwise there would be a
high risk of damage and watertheft.
Concerning the question “Are you willing to pay a water fee if the irrigation facility is
reconstructed and other irrigation systems are built?” the great majority responded that they
were not willing to pay for water. At present, they have free water access and they are
unwilling to spend their little income on it.
15.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta
98.6% of the surveyed household responded that they faced farmland degradation. They noted
the increase of diseases and pests as well as decreasing harvest. 86.7% of the surveyed
household responded that they observed climate changes. The following changes were
mentioned:
• late summer (temperature arises late in spring)
• hot summers
• increasing dust storms
135

15.2.5 Important Issues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a Development
Project supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and Questions asked from
the Research Team
85.7% of surveyed households considered an improvement of cultivation agriculture
necessary.The following issues were mentioned:
• increase availability of fertilizer to improve soil fertility
• build storages and greenhouses
• plant trees along farmland
• improve seed quality
• introduce new sorts
Following responses were given to the question of “What would you expect from an irrigation
project implemented in Khovd aimag?”
• support in the restoration of dams, channels and the headwork
• improve water access,management and distribution
• improve access to seeds, fertilizer and herbicides
The following additional ideas and questions were asked from the research team:
• Will the project improve water supply of Buyant sum?
• Who will execute the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork? Can we participate in
the reconstruction activities? How long would it take to reconstruct the facility? How
will it be implemented?
• Who will be in charge of the headwork water distribution?
• Would the water be distributed equally?
• Will the project cover other activities except reconstruction?
• How is the project financed, is it in forms of grant or loan?
• Would the project provide cash support to farmers? Would business plans be
accepted?
• Can people, who had no chance to be involved in the Swiss project that allocated
200,000 MNTbe involved this time?
• Will the project provide seeds, fertilizer and tree seedlings? (We wish to plant trees for
farmland protection).
• When will this project start?
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15. 3 Summary
The main findings of field research in the irrigated agriculture of Buyant sum can be
summarized as follows:
1. After a significant decrease of cultivation agriculture due to the dissolution of the
negdel and the fodder crop farm in the beginning of the transition period, in recent
years private households are increasingly engaged in crop farming, mainly cultivating
potatoes, vegetables and melons. Today, according to provided statistics, 42% (321)
out of 755 households in Buyant sum are engaged in cultivation agriculture. Thus,
next to herding, crop farming is the main livelihood strategy in Buyant sum.
2. Surveyed households reported to sell more than 90% of their harvest, showing that
cultivation agriculture is already highly market oriented. Average income from crop
farming amounts to 3.1million MNTper household.
3. In 2005, 23% of the aimag’s cultivated land was located in Buyant sum. The core
farming area lies in the Norjinkhairkhan bag in the Buyant River Delta.
4. Duringsocialism, the sum’s negdel and fodder crop farm used to cultivate about 2,000
ha farmland and by the year 2005, the size of farmland was only 482 ha. This shows
that there are potential land resources for expanding farming activities. However,
further extension seems to be restricted due to scarcity of irrigation water.
Nevertheless a Chinese investor intends to start wheat cultivation on up to 500 ha that
he acquired from the sum administration. According to the administration there are
also many more households in the sum centers, who wish to engage in cultivation
agriculture but ca not at present because they do not have access to irrigated land.
5. 45% of households responded that they face problems with water availability and 54%
supported the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork. But there is a strong fear to
loose water access after the headwork is reconstructed. This is due to the fact that
today more water from the Buyant River is floating to Buyant sum and less to Khovd
sum. The households wanted this division to remain unchanged after the
reconstruction. Most of surveyed households reminded that in case the facility is
reconstructed, they would need a proper decision making council for waterdistribution
and guarding, otherwise there is a danger of damage and watertheft.
6. There were hardly any concrete proposals or ideas about efficient use of water which
indicates high need for training in this field. Channels need reliable blocks and barriers
and have to be well organized -otherwise there will be large waste of water.
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The results have demonstrated that irrigation agriculture plays an important role in sustaining
and improving the livelihoods of poor households and has a high potential of contributing to
solve the social and economic difficulties of Buyant sum.
16. Evaluation of Field Research in the Irrigated Agriculture of Jargalant
sum (G. Gantulga,O. Azjargal, and. J. Hartwig)
16.1 Introduction
Jargalant sum is the center of Khovd aimag, located east of Buyant River at the head of the
Delta. It comprises 12 bags 30 and covers 7,000 ha. In 2005, the sum had 32,351 inhabitants
(6,675 households), belonging to more than ten ethnic groups and nationalities such as Uuld,
Khalkh, Zakhchin, Torguud, Uriankhai, Myangad, Durvud, Bayad, Kazak, Chantuu and
Uzemchin. In recent years, the population of Jargalant sum has increased significantly mainly
due to rural-urban migration (see Fig. 79). At present, more than 30% of the total aimag
population lives in Jargalant.
35,000
30,000
25,000
Inhabita nts
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Year
Figure79: Population of Jargalant sum (1980-2005)
Source: Statistics provided by the aimag administration
30 These are: Alagtolgoi, Buyant, Bugat, Baatarkhairkhan, Jargalant, Rashaant, Naran, Bichigt, Tsambagarav,
Takhilt, Khairhan, and Magsarjav.
138

In 2005, 3,800 households (57%) were classified as poor and out of these 1,399 (21%) as very
Very Poor
21%
Poor
36%
Not Poor
43%
Source: Statistics provided by aimag administration
Figure 80: Poverty in Jargalant sum (2005)
poor households (see Fig. 80). Compared to
the other sums in the Buyant River Delta,
Jargalant has relatively few herdsmen. In
2005, 150 households were registered as
herders and 610 households owned livestock.
In total, they owned 56,583 livestock: 70
camels, 1,728 horses, 3,877 cattle, 17,832
sheep and 33,076 goats (KASY 2005). But
only a few herds are actually kept within the
sum boundary, most are kept in other sums of Khovd aimag by relatives or friends of the
owners.
139

Cultivation Agriculture
Design: G. Gantulga 2006
Map 10: Farmland in Jargalant sum
Source: Jargalant sum administration
In socialism, there was hardly any cultivation agriculture in Jargalant sum but in recent years
140

impoverished households have started crop farming. In 2005, 219 households cultivated 134
ha or 0.6 ha on average. The farmlands are located in the following three areas (see Map. 10):
At “Ikh golin ar” west of the main river, at “Durviin gazar” close to the former Janjin Boolt
headwork and in the yards (mong.: khashaa) that surround the gers and cottages. Tab. 30
shows the harvest and shares of farmland used for cultivation of different crops.
Crop
Cereals
Potatoes
Cabbages
Turnips
Carrots
Onions
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Melons
Fodder
Crops
Technical
Crops
Total sown 31 37,7 6,6 7,9 9,9 5,5 4,4 3,5 11 2.5 14
area (ha)
Harvest (t) 35 286 0 60,6 47,9 86,5 24,6 26,5 12,6 0 3,8
Table 30: Sown area and Harvest, Jargalant sum (2005)
Source: Statistics provided byaimagadministration
Photo by G. Gantulga, June 2006
Photo 14: Poor Households Received Farmland
from the Sum Administration
cooperation among the households in irrigation and guarding of fields.
In 2006, 25 poor households were
allocated farmland by the sum
administration in a project supported by
the ADB. A total of 4.6 ha were divided
by 0.2 ha. In addition, free potato and
vegetables seeds and training courses on
cultivation were provided. The
administration allocated the land on longterm
possession as an incentive to those
who show the ability to improve their
livelihoods by crop farming. There is
Apart from individual households and cooperatives, also the psychology section of the aimag
hospital is engaged in crop farming. Their initiatives and collaborative spirit was strongly
visible. The section comprises 13 people, including doctors and nurses. There are 832 people
in the aimag with psychology problems under regular control of this section and hospitalized
patients can work at the farmland. By doing so, the patients may receive treatment in a
collective working atmosphere and they get paid for the work. Besides meeting household
needs, they produce vegetables for patients’ food and market sale. Along producing
vegetables in the Durviin gazar, they grow seabuckthorn at the hospital’s yard and they
produce hand made items for sale (see Photo. 15-16). Incomes earned by hand made products
141

are paid back. It appeared to be well organized. In the future they intend to operate a small
bakery.
According to the sum Governor there are several more households in the aimag center who
intend to engage in cultivation agriculture if they gain access to irrigated land.
Photo by G. Gantulga, June 2006
Photos 15-16: Hand made items made by Patients of the Psychology Section, Jargalant sum
16.2 Results of Household Survey
The survey covered 35 crop farming households representing 16% of the 219 registered crop
farmers. Seven households were from Ikh golin ar, 20 from the Durviin gazar, 6 planted in
their khashaas and one was from Yusin gazar. Of the interviewed households 33 (94.3%)
were native residents of Jargalant sum and two had migrated from Bulgan sum, Bayan-Ulgii
aimag and Must sum, Khovd aimag.
16.2.1 Socio-Ethnical Structure and Spatial Organization
6%
11%
14% 3% 3% Uriankhai
Khalkh
9%
54%
Kazak
Myangad
Zakhchin
Uuld
Chantuu
Source:Survey results, June 2006
Figure 81: Ethnic Composition of Surveyed Households
Fig. 81 shows the structure of
surveyed households by nationalities
and ethnic groups: 54% were Khalkh
and the remaining Zakhchin, Kazak,
Uriankhai, Myangad,
Chantuu.
Uuld, and
The surveyed households had 151
members or 4.4 on average.
Tab. 31 shows the former and today’s profession and work of the household members that
were interviewed. Out of 73 people in working age (between 18 and 60), only 11 responded
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that they had official employment and for 61 (73.5%), crop farming is the main livelihood
base. There were 15 students among surveyed household members and 42 children at school
age. No absentees were reported.
Age Amount Profession Present workother than crop farming
above 60 10 Auto motor specialist 1
Metal worker 1
Music conductor 1
Accountant 1
Tailor 1
Without profession 5
between 18-60 73 Tractor driver 4
Private entrepreneurs 13
Students 11
Soldier 1
Geodesy 1
Veterinarian 2
Economist 3
Engineer 1
Agronomist 7
Driver 7
Teacher 1
Cook3
Agricultural mechanic 2
Electric engineer 2
Welder 1
Carpenter 1
Food specialist 1
Without profession 12
between 7-17 46 Student 4
School children 42
up to 7 22
Table 31:Household Members’ Survey, Jargalant sum
Khan Bank 1
Agriculture Univ. Teacher 4
University laboratory assisst. 1
Specialist at the local administration 1
School teacher 1
Kindergarten cook1
Student 11
Nurse 1
Plumber 1
Source: Survey results, June 2006Table1:
End of April, when cultivation begins, the farmers move to the fields and return at the end of
September or beginning of October when harvest is completed. Because the arable land is
located close to the aimag center, there is little need for the whole household to move
permanently. Only some family members, including children and students who support their
families, settle there for a certain time or come to the fields in the morning and return in the
afternoon.
16.2.2 Economic Structure and Crop Marketing
Farmland and Cultivation
In 2006 the surveyed 35 households cultivated 14.62 ha for crop production -that means 0.42
ha per household on average. The household with the smallest fields cultivated 0.015 ha, the
households with the largest cultivated 0.8 ha (see Tab. 32).
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Survey results show that the farmers plant potato on approximately half of their land. The
remaining is used for turnips, carrots, onions, cabbages, and cucumbers. Few households
reported to plant seabuckthorn or dwarf apple. Eight households with livestock also irrigate
hayfields. The households in total used 2.15 ha for hay making, which is about 0.27 ha per
average.
Crop field size Number of households Hayfield size Number of households
0.015 1 0.1 3
0.2 7 0.15 1
0.3 5 0.2 1
0.35 4 0.3 1
0.4 5 0.5 1
0.5 4 0.7 1
0.6 3
0.7 3
0.8 3
Table 32: Crop- and Hayfields of Surveyed Households
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Harvest, Processing, Marketing and Household Revenues and Expenditures
25 households (71%) responded that they were engaged in crop farming in order to meet
household needs as well as to sell crops at the market. The remaining ten cultivated only for
subsistence needs. Due to the fact that the size of farmland in Jargalant is comparably small,
harvest and income from crop marketing is less than in the other sums of the Buyant River
Delta. 31 Except one household, none of the respondents had a storage facility. Therefore they
have to sell at cheap prices during autumn -either by wholesale or they rent own market
stalls.
Out of the 35 surveyed farmers, nine do not process their harvest but 26 of them do -for their
household needs or for market sale. The processed vegetables are mainly pickled cabbage,
cucumbers, tomatoes and vegetables salad. One respondent produced seabuckthorn juice and
six households prepared jams from tomatoes, honeydew melons or apples.
Depending on the soil conditions, cost for ploughing are from 60,000 to 80,000 MNT /ha.
One household owns a russian tractor and ploughs against payment. Two households employ
workers by announcing vacancies at the market. Employees get 1,500 -2,000 MNT per day
and free meal three times a day. The employers claimed that they observed difficulties in
gettingskilled workers.
31 Because of the loss of thequestionnaires, detailed analysis of income from crop harvesting was not possible.
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In Jargalant, the number of households with livestock is significantly less compared with
other sums in Khovd: Only 9 (26%) of the surveyed households owned livestock. The reason
is that pasture land is limited near the aimag center. In total, they owned 150 goats, 54 sheep,
24 cattle and 4 horses. Income from livestock was mainly from selling cashmere, sheep wool,
and skins.
In addition to agricultural income, the households reported the following other sources of
income:
• Regular salary:ten households received 50,000 to 120,000 MNTper month
• Pensions and social welfare:two households received 9,000 MNT each for their three
children and 6 households received between 34,000 and 90,000 MNT pension per
month
Loans
Seven households (20%) received loans for crop farming:
Household Bank Amount Interest rate
1 KHAAN Bank 1,000,000 MNT (for greenhouse) 3.5%
2 KHAAN Bank 500,000 MNT 3.5%
3 Mongol Shuudan Bank 250,000 MNT 3.3%
4 Mongol Shuudan Bank 3,000,000 MNT 3%
5 Zoos Bank 800,000 MNT 3.5%
6 Khas Bank 200,000 MNT 3.5%
7 Khas Bank 300,000 MNT 3.3%
Table 33: Loans Received by Surveyed Households for Crop Farming, Jargalant sum 2006
Source: Survey results, June 2006
For those who have no permanent job except their agrarian business or other stable incomes,
getting a bank loan is difficult. Because the loan repayment conditions require interest
payment every month and in addition, the farmers must sell at low prices in autumn to repay
the loan. For above mentioned reasons many farmers are reluctant to receive bank loans.
Cooperation among households
The hospital farmers and the 25 households who received land from the sum administration
cooperate in irrigation work, cultivation and harvest. The remaining farmers answered that
they only cooperate with other farmers in terms of reconstructing dams, maintaining irrigation
channels or building water blockages. During harvest, friends, family members, and relatives
join their labour force but there is no such cooperation with other households.
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16.2.3 Legal Situation in Land Rights and Water Distribution
Land titles and fees
33 farmers involved in the survey hold official land titles for crop and hay fields and the
remaining two answered that they cultivated fields of others who held official titles. The land
fee for one hectare is 50,000 MNT per year. It is significantly high, compared with other
sums. The main reasons are that Jargalant sum is classified as atown and land resources are
limited. If households from Jargalant sum cultivate fields in other sums they also have to pay
higher fees than the native households, e.g. 18.000MNT/hain Buyant and Khovd sum.
Need for expansion
22 farmers or 62.9% responded that they are interested in expanding their farmland. Those
interested in enlarging their farmland wished to have between 0.5 ha and 5 ha additional. They
expressed theircapabilities and the availability of work force. 32
Constraints and Conflicts
Concerning water availability, nine households (26%) answered that they faced problems
accessing sufficient irrigation water and 26 (74%) had sufficient access to water. These results
show that there are less difficulties concerning water availability in Jargalant. The farmers
who plant in their khashaas have no irrigation systems. They collect rain water and transport
water from wells and the Buyant River to their fields. Other farmers have built channels and
ditches from the Buyant River. During the survey it appeared that irrigation is well upstream
at Ikh golin ar and at the upper part of Durviin gazar but water is less available at the lower
partofDurviin gazar. Need for irrigation water is high in July, when water is less available. In
other months there is enough water.
The households mentioned several disadvantages in receiving water via the existing channels
and ditches: Weed seeds are spreading and much water is absorbed by the soil or evaporates
before reaching the farmland. Moreover, the running irrigation water makes the soil harder
thus there is a need to soften the soil regularly which demands additional labour and inputs.
The solution to these problems could be to use tubes instead of channels and installing proper
irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation.
The survey involved farmers mentioned the following additional constraints to crop farming:
• lack of land
32 The respondent who was interested in having additional 5 ha was an agronomist with two generations
experience. He had a greenhouse and machinery in a good condition.
146

• high land fee
• machinery and equipment leasing costs are high and seeds expensive, quality of
granted seeds is poor or expired
• no storage facilities for harvest
• wholesale traders pay low prices for crops and calculate the weight to low
• financial constraints
• due to frequent thefts of iron scrap, the fences for land protection have to be put up in
spring and be removed after harvest
• there are many summer camps of herders along the Buyant River and conflicts with
crop farmers appear often
Households
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
6
28
Yes No Don't
know
1
Households
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
6
28
Yes No Don't
know
1
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 82: Support for Rehabilitation of
Janjin Boolt Headwork, Jargalant sum
Source: Survey results, June 2006
Figure 83: Support for Itroduction of a Water
Fee, Jargalant sum
Rehabilitation of JanjinBoolt Headwork
29 households (83%) responded that the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork is crucial,
one was against it and five were indecisive (see Fig. 82). Although water is comparably well
available for crop farmers in Jargalant and they will not directly profit from the reconstruction
of Janjin Boolt headwork, the majority supports the plan of reconstruction, assuming that
other farmers will gain from its operation. One person reminded that if the facility operates
again, it should be assigned to locals for protection and a guard should be appointed -
otherwise there is a risk of looters damage.
Concerning the question “Are you willing to pay awater fee if the irrigation facility is
reconstructed and other irrigation systems are built?” the majority responded that they do not
147

like it (Fig. 83). At present, most farmers have enough water for free, therefore themajority is
reluctant to pay for water in thefuture.
16.2.4 Perceptions on the Physical Environment of the Buyant River Delta
31 households (89%) did not face farmland degradation during the last 15 years and four
answered that they did. Those who observed degradation answered that there is little snow
cover in winter, thus wind erodes fertile soil. Others responded that soil is “muddy” and there
is need for fallow but they couldn’t afford -therefore a lot of inputs and fertilizer is needed.
Concerning climate change, all households responded that there are climate changes during
the past 15 years. The following issues were observed:
• late and short summer (temperatures rise late in spring and drop early in fall)
• extreme hot temperatures in summer
• frequent hailstorms and more wind
• long spring and fall, short summer and winter
16.2.5 Important Issues for Improving Crop Farming, Expectations from a Development
Project Supporting Irrigated Agriculture and additional Ideas and Questions asked
from the Research Team
The farmers consider the following issues important for improving crop farming:
• enlarge farmland
• mechanize crop farming
• improve soil quality by increasing availability of fertilizers
• protect soil by planting trees encompassing the farmland
• build storages and greenhouses
• cover risk by insurance
• use solar energy
• develop small production facilities that follow quality requirements for the production
of pickled vegetables and fruit jams
Following responses were given to the question of “What would you expect from an irrigation
project implemented in Khovd aimag?”
• support in solving irrigation problems (e.g. by drip irrigation)
• a new well with a pump
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• support in resolving problems with herders and pasture along the Buyant River
The following additional ideas and questions were asked from the team:
• Who will implement the project?
• When will it start?
• What is the budget of the project?
• Will locals be involved in reconstructing Janjin Boolt Headwork?
• Seeds provided by SDC are usually in the hands of non crop farmers and farmers are
purchasing from them. Will this issue be solved?
• Could the project provide fertilizer?
• Is there any long term leasing of tractors and equipment available within the project?
• Would it be possible that the project develops a proposal for decision makers
regarding allocation of more farmland?
• Is it possible to implement projects in other spheres such as veterinary surgeon,
livestock farm development or support for agricultural cooperatives?
16.3 Summary
The main findings of field research in the irrigated agriculture of Jargalant sum can be
summarized as follows:
1. Cultivation agriculture was almost unpractised during socialism in Jargalant sum and
has become an important livelihood strategy for impoverished households in recent
years. In 2005, 219 households (3.3% of all) cultivated 134 ha or 0.6 ha on average –
either within their khashaas or at two areas along the Buyant River.
2. In 2006, 25 poor households received 0.2 ha farmland each and further support from
the sum administration. Although the land size is very limited, this appears to be a
positiveapproach to alleviate poverty.
3. Main restriction to enlarge cultivation agriculture in Jargalant is the scarcity of
farmland. The average field size is the smallest compared to all other surveyed sums.
4. High land fees, limited land resources, expensive fertilizer and inputs, improper
irrigation systems, conflicts with herders along the Buyant River and economic
constraints were reported as mayor problems.
5. Access to irrigation water is comparably unproblematic due to the fact that the
farmlands are located at the head of the Buyant River Delta: 74% of surveyed
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households responded that they face no problems with access to water. However
existing irrigation channels and techniques are very insufficient.
6. 83% of the surveyed households support the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt headwork
although they would not profit directly from its reconstruction.
17. Evaluation of Marketing Research in the Project Area and the
Importance of Irrigated Agriculture to Improve Livelihoods and reduce
Poverty (J. Hartwig andA. Ankhtuya)
The field research results demonstrated clearly that cultivation agriculture in Buyant, Khovd,
Myangad and Jargalant sum is increasingly contributing to food and income security of crop
farming households. Besides, it also provides food for non-farming population on local,
regional and partly national level and it contributes to an estimated 9% of the aimag’s GDP
(seeChapter8).
17.1 Organization of Crop Farmers
At present crop farming is carried out mainly by individual households. Statistics show that
within Khovd aimag about 99% of potato, vegetables and melon harvest and 74% of cereal
harvest originates from crop farming carried out by individual households (see Tab. 34).
Total
harvest
(t)
Company/Cooperatives/
Public Organizations
(t)
Individual
households
(t)
Share of individual household’s
harvest from total
(%)
Crops
Vegetables
and Melons 9,407 111 9,296 98.8
Potatoes 7,019 39 6,980 99.5
Cereals 613 157 456 74.3
Source: Statistics provided byaimagadministration
Table 34: Harvest Shares ofCorporate and IndividualCrop Farmers Khovdaimag (2005)
Nevertheless, in recent years more than ten crop farming cooperatives have been established
within the Buyant River Delta in order to reduce transaction costs for cultivation, harvest,
processing or marketing. Most of these cooperatives are made up of relatives. Interviews have
shown that some cooperatives are highly effective and profit from cooperation, specialisation
and distribution of labour and tasks.
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17.2 Crop farming for household and market needs
The majority of the crop farmers cultivates to market their crop harvest as well as to meet
subsistence needs. An average household (with 4.8 members) in the Buyant River Delta needs
to cultivate about 0.1 ha cropland to harvest the recommended amount of potatoes, vegetables
and fruits to meet household’s needs. 33 In total, more than 90% of harvest is marketed -thus
showing the strong market integration of local crop farming households. Revenues based on
2005/06 average prices and yields vary between 1,100,000 MNT /ha from cucumbers and
7,400,000 MNT /ha from tomatoes (see Tab. 35). Yields and revenues from tomatoes appear
extraordinary high. As they are cultivated only in small amounts, this might as well be a
statistical mistake. Potatoes, which are less irrigation intensive and comparably unproblematic
to cultivate and store, enable revenues about 2,000,000 MNT /ha. They are planted on more
than 37% of the total cultivated cropland and are the most favoured crops, followed by
melons, carrots, and turnips.
Crops
Potatoes
Vegetables Fruits Other
Carrots
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Onions
Cabbages
Turnips
Melons
Cereals
Fodder crops
Technical crops
Sown area (ha)* 490.7 210.4 21.7 14.2 8.8 41.2 89.4 236.2 31 153 17
11.6
Sown area (%)* 37.4% 16 % 1.7% 1.1% 0.7% 3.1% 6.8% 18% 2.4% % 1.3%
Harvest (t)* 5,806 2,149 329 92 122 413 902 4,066 0 750 6
Yield (t/ha)* 11.8 10.2 15.2 6.5 13.8 10 10.1 17.2 0 4.9 0.3
Yield (t/ha)** 15 12.4 21.9 4.8 4 20.5 14.6 14
Yield (t/ha)
(average) 13.8 11.3 18.5 5.6 8.9 15.3 12.4 15.6
Average price
per kg (MNT)** 150 150 400 200 400 150 150 188
Average revenue
(million
MNT/ha) 2.07 1.69 7.41 1.13 3.56 2.29 1.85 2.93
Source: * Statistics provided byaimagadministration
** surveyresults
Table 35: Crop Cultivation, Harvest and Marketing in the Buyant River Delta 2005/06 (Jargalant, Khovd,
Myangad and Buyant sums)
33 In detail this amounts to 0.03 ha each for potatoes, vegetables and fruits. This calculation is based on the
average yields from the Buyant River Delta and the recommended consumption from the Government of
Mongolia (GOM 2003). No difference was made between recommended consumption of children and adults.
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Based on current average prices for vegetables, potatoes and melons, at least one hectare 34
cropland has to be cultivated each year, so that an average farmer’s household has sufficient
vegetables, potato and fruit harvest for its own needs and seeds and an income, which enables
its members to live above the minimum livelihood level. In 2005 this was defined at 23,200
MNT per person and month (NSOM 2006:264). 35 But it should be born in mind that crop
prices are highly variable within different seasons and years and that income from crop
marketing declines if households are not able to store their harvest in order to sell when prices
are high.
Cereals are hardly cultivated anymore by households due to the fact that yields are low and
prices for imported cereals and flour are low as well. Calculations show that an average
household would have to cultivate about 0.75 hectare cereals in order to meet its subsistence
needs. 36 Thus most households prefer to cultivate vegetables, melons, and potatoes and to buy
imported flour. Also fodder and technical crops (mainly sunflowers) are cultivated to a much
lesser extent.
17.3 Crop Marketing
The following different modes of crop marketing were reported:
1) at the markets in theaimag center
2) at the fields to mobile traders and herdsmen
3) at distant locations (mainly to the western aimags Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Govi-Altai,
Zavkhan) and during trade fairs
4) at local sum centers
The most important market for crops is theaimag center. Crops are sold the whole year round
at the central market (tuv zakh, see Photos 17-18) and to a lesser extend at the Buyant market
(Buyant zakh).
34 Including fallow land and hayfields approximately two hectares farmland appear the minimum size of fields an
average households needs to possess in order to escape poverty.
35 This calculation includes 30% costs for inputs, services, labour and taxes.
36 In Khovd aimag the average yield of cereal cultivation between 2002 and 2005 was 0.88 t/ha (NSOM
2006:184,189)
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Photos 17-18:Crop Marketing at the Aimag Center, tuv zakh
Photos by J. Hartwig, June 2006
In total up to 200 traders are present during harvest time, many of them selling their own
harvest. In the rest of the year about 50 traders market stored vegetables (potatoes, turnips,
carrots or cabbage) or vegetables imported from china like onions, paprika, tomatoes, and
other crops - depending on availability and prices of locally cultivated crops. Melons,
tomatoes and other vegetables from the Buyant River Delta that can not be stored are only
sold in autumn. The traders reported to add 10-20% to the purchase price and to have a
monthly income between 30,000 and 100,000 MNT. 37 If they possess own storages they have
higher profits because they procure crops when prices are low. Some traders acknowledged
that a few people in the aimag center have storages with high volumes. These purchase high
quantities of crops at harvest time and sell to the traders later on.
Next to the markets at Khovd aimag center, direct sales at the fields are of high importance.
Customers are either local herdsmen or traders from neighbouring sums and aimags. In recent
years especially the demand from western aimags has increased sharply. Either mobile traders
purchase crops from the farmers or local farmers deliver their harvest to the neighbouring
aimag centers where prices of crops were reported to be significantly higher compared with
Khovd. A member of a crop farming cooperative sold crops at the center of Zavkhan and
Govi-Altaiaimag in autumn 2005 for the following prices:
Crops Potatoes Cucumbers Tomatoes Cabbages Melons
Prices
250 600 1,500 400-800 500-600
(MNT)
Table 36: Crop Prices in the Aimag Centersof Govi-Altai and Zavkhan, Autumn 2005
Source: Survey results, June 2006
37 For their stalls in the market halltheypay 300 MNTrent per day in the warm season and 500 MNTin winter.
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Also trade fairs are becoming more and more
popular. In the western aimags “green”
vegetables fairs have been conducted and some
of the cooperatives have taken part in fairs as
far as Ulaanbaatar. The distances from Khovd
aimag center to the other aimag centers of the
Western Region are as follows: Bayan Ulgii:
222 km, Uvs: 243 km, Govi-Altai: 450 km,
Zavkhan: 503 km. Due to the long distance to
Ulaanbaatar (almost 1,500 km), only a
Photo by J. Hartwig, October 2006
Photo 19: Trade fair “Golden Autumn” in
Ulaanbaatar
relatively small share of the harvest is sold to the capital city. Sometimes melons from the
Buyant River Delta or apples are being transported to Ulaanbaatar and students bring along
crops and sell them to finance their tuition fees.
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Apart from vegetable and cereal cultivation, Khovd aimag is famous for its
fruits like seabuckthorn, dwarf- and crabapples, currents or melons which are
growing wild or were introduced in the Manchu period. Out of these, melons
are the most popular ones and honeydew melons are only planted in Khovd. In
autumn, parts of the harvest are sold as far as in Ulaanbaatar.
Photo by D. Tseveenravdan, September 2006
Photo 20: Honeydew Melon
Photo by D. Tseveenravdan, September 2006
Photo 21: Honeydew Melons
Photo 22: Black Currents
Photo by J. Hartwig, June 2006
Photo by J. Hartwig, June 2006
Photo 23: Apple Plantation
The high share of marketed crops described above indicates that farming households from the
Buyant River Delta are increasingly contributing to food security of the local and regional
population. Calculations based on a comparison of the recommended crop consumption per
person 38 with the actual crop harvest show that within the Buyant River Delta in 2005 the
harvest of vegetables and potatoes was significantly higher than the recommended
consumption (Fig. 86). Fruit harvest was slightly below recommended consumption but the
figure only records melon harvest and not the harvest of remaining fruits like dwarf apples,
seabuckthorn or currents.
On the level of Khovd aimag, there is still a surplus of potatoes but a lack of vegetables, fruits
and cereals. If the Western Region is considered as a whole, there is a lack of all kinds of crop
harvest. These data indicate that there is high demand for extension of crop cultivation. In
38 No difference was made between children and adults.
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other words: The Buyant River Delta has the potential to become the center of vegetables,
fruit, and potato production for the Western Region of Mongolia, if current irrigation
problems are solved.
Although the highest lack between harvest and demand exists with regard to cereals, it does
not seem advisable to increase cereal cultivation significantly in the Buyant River Delta.
Recommended Consumption
Harvest
80 000
70 000
60 000
50 000
40 000
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
Cereals
6 014
Potatoes
0
Vegetables
1 899
5 806
Fruits*
3 165
4 057
Cereals
4 431
4 066
Potatoes
12 543
Vegetables
Recommended Consumption and Harvest (t)
613
3 961
7 019
Fruits*
6 601
4 980
9 242
4 427
55 951
2 732
17 669
15 982
70 675
14 335
Cereals
Potatoes
Vegetables
and
Buyant River Delta Khovd aimag Western Region
Crops
*only melons, no harvest results for other fruits are available Source: Statistics provided by aimag administration, NSOM (2006)
Figure 84: Recommended Consumption and Harvest in the Buyant River Delta, Khovd aimag and the
Western Region of Mongolia (2005)
Cereal yields and revenues are comparably low: In Khovd aimag, the average yield of cereals
between 2002 and 2006 was 0.88 t/ha (NSOM 2006:184,189). In the local shops, wheat flour
from Russia, China or Kazakhstan is sold for 400 MNT /kg. That means that revenues per
hectare in case of cereal cultivation could not be more than 350,000 MNT /ha, being much
less than revenues from other crops. 39
The same problem appears with cultivation of
sunflowers. A few years ago, TACIS financed a sunflower oil press in Buyant sum which is
almost decommissioned today (see Photo 24). Farmers described the reason as follows: From
one hectare the yield is approximately one ton of sunflower seeds, out of which 300 litres oil
are pressed. One litre imported sunflower oil costs about 1,500 MNT in the stores in Khovd.
39 An exception could be the cultivation of barley. Farmers from Khovd sum expressed their intention to start its
cultivation because barley is used for Kazaks’ traditional dishes.
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That means that revenues from one hectare could not be more than 450,000 MNT. These
results also point to the question of import policies: Many farmers complained that, as long as
tariffs for some imported crops or foodstuff are low, it is not possible for local farmers to
compete with cheap import prices.
17.4 Storing of Crops
Photo by J. Hartwig, June 2006
Photo 24: A Sunflower Press in Buyant sum
Financed by TACIS is almost out of use
In recent years, most experienced crop farming
households at Buyant and Khovd sum have
built own storage facilities for potatoes, carrots,
turnips or cabbage. However new and less
experienced farmers face difficulties to store
their harvest. They are forced to sell their crops
at autumn, when prices are low and thus having
problems to generate incomes in other seasons.
Most storage facilities have a capacity between
10 and 50 tonnes. In Buyant sum the Khantungalag cooperative, supported by SDC, has built
two storages with a capacity of up to 120 tonnes (see Photo 25). The cooperative is
specialised in producing seed potatoes and other crop seeds for the local demand. At Jargalant
sum there are still four large storages that were built
in socialist times, but out of use at present due to
decay.
17.5 Crop Processing
Crop processing is very limited in the Buyant River
Delta. Most households preserve vegetables like
cucumbers, tomatoes, mixed salad or prepare jam 40
only for their own needs or for sale in small
amounts. The following reasons were stated for this
low processing rate:
Photo by J. Hartwig, June 2006
Photo 25: The Khantungalag
Cooperative builds a Storage Facility
with Support from SDC, Buyant sum
• low skills and experiences in preserving
• heavy work load in autumn
• difficulties in obtaining sufficient jars and lids
40 Jam is made from fruits like melons, apples, seabuckthorn and tomatoes.
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• no specialised crop processing enterprises existing
Only some of the cooperatives preserve higher amounts of vegetables and fruits. Especially
the “Arvan Ulias” cooperative from Buyant sum is well experienced in preserving pickled
cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes and vegetables salad. These are marketed to western aimags
and in smaller amounts also to Ulaanbaatar. Cooperative members expressed that vegetables
preservation in large amounts could be very profitable. The following calculation was made:
For one standard jar of cucumber 350 g of cucumbers are needed. Assumed that prices were
400 MNT per kilogramme, 41 cucumber input would amount to 150 MNT per jar. Other
necessary ingredients like salt, sugar, pepper, garlic, vinegar or dill might cost about 200
MNT. Recycled jars with lid cost about 100-150 MNT at present. 42 In total, this would sum
up to 450-500 MNT per jar. In the stores, preserved Mongolian cucumbers are sold for 1,000
Photo by J. Hartwig, June 2006
Photo 26: A Shop in Jargalant sum Selling
Imported Vegetable Conserves
MNT, imported ones from Vietnam or EU cost
about 1,500 MNT per jar.
in Mongolia so all jars have to be either recycled or newly imported.
According to the estimation of shop keepers, 43
about 90% of marketed, preserved vegetables
stem from imports – thus showing high
potential for import substitution. Skills and
facilities of processors and access to jars and
lids seem to be the core challenges in this
context. At present, there isn’t any glasswork
17.6 Proposals to support Irrigation Agriculture in the Buyant River Delta
In total, 29 traders, cooperative members and members of sum administrations were surveyed.
They raised the following expectations and proposals aiming at improvements in crop
cultivation, marketing and processing:
Marketing/ Finance/ Regulations
• provide training courses for marketing
• support local and regional marketing through organization of regular trade fairs
41 At present, average prices for cucumbers were reported to be 200 MNT per kilogram. In order to make
cultivation more profitable and to stimulate sufficient cultivation, 400 MNTper kilogram were taken for
calculation.
42 These are prices for recycled jars. If demand rises, a sharp increase of jar prices has to be expected.
43 There are about 380 smaller shops in the aimag centre and about five shops each at the centres of Buyant,
Khovd and Myangad sum.
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• raise import tax/bans forvegetables and potatoes
• provide low interest and long term loans
• provide adequate heating for market halls in winter
Processing and Storing
• provide training courses for processing techniques and recipe
• support establishment of small and medium enterprises for crop processing
• solve access problems to lids and jars
• support construction of storage facilities
• improve food hygienic
Cultivation and Irrigation
• support formation of cooperatives
• introduce new sorts and seeds (e.g. red garlic 44 , green and red peppers, beans,
artichoke, pumpkin, zucchini, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, leek,
celeriac, spices)
• improve agricultural machines and mechanisation
• improve acess to seeds and fertilizer
• support greenhouse construction
• reclaim abandoned land
• solve water conflicts
• regulate fair access to and distribution of irrigation water
• introduceefficientirrigation systems and pumps
• reconstruct Janjin Booltheadwork
17.7 Summary
The main findings of the market study can be summarized as follows:
1. At present, crop farming is carried out mainly by individual households. Nevertheless,
in recent years more than ten crop farming cooperatives have been established within
the Buyant River Delta. Some are highly effective and profit from cooperation,
specialisation and distribution of labour and tasks.
44 It was reported that a variety of red garlic from Zavkhan aimag has a potential to be exported to Japan and
South Korea for up to 10,000 MNT/kg. The main problem is acess to appropriate seeds.
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2. The majority of crop farmers cultivates to meet subsistence needs as well as to market
their crop harvest. In total, more than 90% of harvest is marketed. Average revenue
from vegetables and potato harvest is approximately 2million MNT/ha. Potatoes are
the most often cultivated crops, followed by melons, carrots and turnips. Cereals and
technical crops, like sunflowers, are hardly cultivated anymore due to the fact that
yields are low and prices for imported flour and vegetables oil are low.
3. Based on current average crop prices, at least one hectare land has to be cultivated
each year, so that a farmer’s household has sufficient crops for its own needs and
seeds and an income from crop marketing which enables its members to escape
poverty.
4. Crop cultivation increasingly provides food security for the local and regional
population: Within the Buyant River Delta there is a significant surplus production of
potatoes and vegetables. Crops are marketed at the aimag center or to the western
aimags (Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Govi-Altai, and Zavkhan). In recent years especially the
demand from these aimags, where a significant lack between demand and own harvest
prevails, has increased sharply. If crop farming is extended, the Buyant River Delta
has the potential to become the center of vegetables, fruit and potato production
for the whole Western Region of Mongolia.
5. Most experienced crop farming households have built own storage facilities for crop
harvest. However new and less experienced farmers face difficulties to store their
harvest. They are forced to sell their crops at autumn, when prices are low and thus
having problems to generate incomes in other seasons.
6. Due to low skills and experiences in preserving, heavy work load in autumn,
difficulties in obtaining sufficient jars and lids, and the fact that no specialised crop
processing enterprises exist, processing of vegetables is very limited in the Buyant
River Delta. Apart from some cooperatives, most households preserve vegetables only
for their own needs or for sale in small amounts. According to estimations of shop
keepers, about 90% of marketed, preserved vegetables stem from imports.
Calculations show that there is high potential for increased value adding, employment
and import substitution if current processing problems are solved.
7. Surveyed traders, cooperative members and members of sum administrations
formulated expectations and proposals aiming at improvements in crop cultivation,
marketing and processing. These included training courses for vegetables processing
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and marketing, organization of regular trade fairs, increased import taxes for crops,
low interest and long term loans, establishment of small and medium enterprises for
crop processing, support for the formation of cooperatives, introduction of new sorts
and seeds, support for greenhouse construction, improvements in mechanization, seeds
and fertilizer, fair access to and efficient use of irrigation water and the reconstruction
of Janjin Booltheadwork.
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F. Conclusions and Recommendations (J. Janzen and J. Hartwig)
18. Conclusions
As a result of the detailed socioeconomic, physical, ecological, and marketing study the
research team is supporting with emphasis the idea of a rehabilitation and extension of
irrigated cultivation agriculture in the delta area of Buyant gol in Khovd aimag (see Maps 11-
15). There are no objections as far as soil and water qualities are concerned. There will also be
enough irrigation water available, if the water is stored in a reservoir at Janjin Boolt
headwork. As Khar us nuur receives its water mainly from Khovd gol no negative ecological
effects are expected for the lake from the reconstruction of Janjin Boolt.
The highest potential for the extension of irrigated farm land can be found on Khovd sum
territory in the northern part of Buyant gol delta (see Maps 11-12 and D.10, 10.1-10.3, 11 ).
As far as the potential manpower for the extension of irrigated farmland is concerned, there
are enough people in Buyant, Khovd, Myangad, and especially in Jargalant sum who are
interested in extending their farmland or in getting newly engaged in irrigated cultivation.
There is enough demand for an increased potato and vegetable production in the western
aimags and the large Mongolian cities, Ulaanbaatar in particular. Siberia in the Russian
Federation might be a potential market in the future as well.
Thus it can be stated that if crop farming will be improved and extended and new
marketing strategies developed, the Buyant River Delta has the potential to increase its
importance as the major center of vegetable, potato and fruit production for the whole
Western Region and to a certain extent even for the big cities of Mongolia and parts of
Russian Siberia.
In order to be able to implement this vision a number of preconditions have to be fulfilled:
1. The major precondition is to provide a secure supply of irrigation water during the
whole vegetation period from end of April until end of September and for the use of
mobile livestock keepers by storing water in periods of abundance. For this purpose
the reconstruction of Janjin Booltheadwork north of Khovd khot is a must.
2. The sums of Bujant and Khovd, which are competing for water, have to agree upon a
just division of Buyant gol water at Janjin Boolt headwork. According to the water
demands of both sums (actually more cultivated land on Khovd sum territory and
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more nomadic livestock keepers depending on Buyant gol water on Buyant territory) a
share of 50% for each of the two sums seems to be suitable.
But water distribution at Janjin Boolt Headwork should be handled in a flexible
manner. That means that water should be distributed according to the real needs of
both sums and water shares might be changed within the coming years if water
demands change in the two sums. Further more the disputed sum boundary between
Buyant and Khovd sum should be fixed in an official document without delay in order
to stop conflicts about land and water.
3. A neutral institution, which might be called “Buyant River Water Authority”,
controlled by an independant committee consisting of different members of the civil
society and elected representatives from the aimag khural should watch about the just
water distribution at Janjin Boolt headwork. The staff in charge of Janjin Boolt
headwork and the maintenance and control of the whole Buyant delta irrigation system
should not belong to one of the rival sums and should be well paid for their work in
order to reduce the risk of being vulnerable for bribes. Their salaries as well as
maintenance costs for Janjin Boolt headwork and the rehabilitated and new irrigation
channel system should be funded by a moderate water tax which will have to be
collected by them from all water users according to the size of their farming plots, and
the irrigation intensity of cultivated crops.
4. A future development program for the improvement and extension of irrigated
cultivation in the Buyant River Delta should be based on a holistic approach of
regional rural development, primarily focussing on poverty alleviation in Khovd
aimag. It should include all social groups of the study area, such as farmers, agropastoralists,
nomads, traders, Government officials etc.
Not single measures, such as securing regular water availability or irrigation channel
rehabilitation alone can guarantee future progress but only the implementation of a
bundle of development measures can lead to a successful development and to poverty
reduction in Khovd aimag.
For this purpose it is strongly recommended that the planned Mongolian-Swiss project
closely cooperates with other national and international donors already working in
Khovd aimag and the western region. Existing development activities of other
agencies, such as USAID, GTZ, UNDP, WB, ADB, SIDA, Mercy Corps etc. should
be incorporated into the project planning in order to use synergies and avoid
repetitions of development measures.
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19. Recommendations
For the different aspects of development the following recommendations are made:
A. ASPECTS CONCERNING PARTICIPATION
Existing and potential new farmers should be involved in the planning and
implementation process of a development program from the very beginning in
order to reach transparency of its objectives and make the people understand that
the activities are going to help them to improve their livelihoods. Special attention
should be given to small-scale farmers and poor people in order to contribute to
reduce the high rate of poverty among the aimag population.
It has to be ensured that marginalized groups have equal access to fertile land (at
least 1 ha) and sufficient irrigation water, that they will be enabled to market their
products for favourable conditions, and will have priority to be employed for a fair
wage in labour intensive project activities such as channel and road rehabilitation,
and other construction works. For agro-pastoralists a size of two ha would be more
suitable in order to enable them to produce sufficient hay for the livestock. New
irrigable land of good quality is mainly available in the northern part of Ulaan
buraa bag in Khovd sum. North of Tsagaan Khudag near Ulaanburaa bag center of
Khovd sum would be a suitable location to establish an irrigation scheme for new
farmer (see Annex V / Map 16).
The project should support smallholders to get access to low interest loans.
Another option is that a co-financing fund could provide the resources, for
example to a water channel user group or another informal or formal grouping.
The groups could be asked to contribute a certain amount of money per capita to
an account of their own and the project would match this amount with a matching
percentage to be determined.
B. ASPECTS CONCERNING IRRIGATION
The existing irrigation system is characterized by a large number of small channels
and dams built by the farmers themselves. Water is often wasted because of
inappropriate water use and users at the end of a channel are often deprived in an
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unsocial way from sufficient water supplies. This system has to be improved by
securing water access for all channel users and by the introduction of irrigation
methods that reduce water losses resulting from high evapotranspiration and water
seeping into the underground. The introduction of more sophisticated irrigation
techniques other than simple flooding of fields, such as trickle/drip irrigation could
help to reduce water waste(see Annex V / Map 16).
Drainage trenches in fields with little inclination and salt enrichment in the soil
have to be established. Still existing iron water tubes from former irrigation
systems of the socialist time should not be sold as scrap metal to China anymore
but be used as subsoil water tunnels/passages at crossings of water channels with
dirt roads and tracks in order to avoid the destruction and consequently the
interruption of the water flow within the channel by motor vehicles.
In both sums guarding officers of the independent “Buyant River Water Authority”
should regularly control that irrigation water is not used illegally and not wasted in
an inappropriate way. In case of misuse they should have the right to impose
sanctions on the guilty persons.
The existing informal water channel user groups should be supported by the
project by offering training and assistance for the improvement of existing and the
introduction of new more efficient irrigation techniques. So far the members of
these groups mainly organize joint cleaning and maintenance activities and the
work load of each household depends on the size of their enclosure (khashaa)
bordering the channel. The size/profile of the water outlets at the main water
channels should correspond with the field size to be irrigated.
Based on these informal groups it would be advisable to try to build up formal
channel user associations, who could become an economic entity for example by
founding a farm cooperative.
For the irrigation agriculture on Myangad sum territory near the sum center the
water is taken from Khovd river. Although it seems to be difficult to operate a
water pump in the river which is mechanically driven by the water current
(German: “Widder”), experts from the German company should carefully check its
possibilities for operation. In Durviin gazar(see Annex V / Map 14) of Buyant and
in Jargalant sum, where shortages of irrigation water do not happen, the already
high harvest results could still be increased by introducing even more sophisticated
soil preparation and irrigation techniques.
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Special attention must also be given to the water needs of the mobile livestock
keepers who use the land adjacent to the cultivation area as pasture land.
C. ASPECTS CONCERNING CULTIVATION
As the existing farming population is partly consisting of inexperienced and
untrained farmers a functioning extension service is urgently needed in order to
practice a sustainable land use. The project should offer training in all aspects of
cultivation, such as improved soil preparation, water saving irrigation methods,
ecologically adapted use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, crop
rotation, combating plant diseases, and use of machinery.
Farmers should be convinced of the many advantages of farming cooperatives for
small-scale farmers, such as common use of machinery, getting low interest loans,
purchase of less expensive of farming inputs, marketing for favourable conditions
etc. Active support should be given by the project to the formation of such
cooperatives in order to improve the living and production conditions of the
smallholders.
As only a few greenhouses are available so far for vegetable growing, the project
should encourage and support the establishment of greenhouses. Greenhouses and
also simple plastic sheets covering the plants could considerably improve the
conditions for early and late vegetable production.
Diversification of vegetable production could be attained through introduction of
new crop varieties and seeds, such as red garlic, green and red pepper, beans,
pumpkin, zucchini, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, leek, celeriac,
spices etc.
D. ASPECTS CONCERNING MARKETING, PROCESSING, AND
STORING
As marketing of high quality farming products is a key issue for the future
development of irrigated agriculture in Khovd aimag, the project should conduct
training courses on marketing of crops. Trade fairs for crops and processed
vegetables and fruits should be conducted in Khovd khot and other aimag centers
of western Mongolia, in the big cities of the country, Ulaanbaatar in particular, and
166

in cities of neighbouring Russian Siberia as well. The project should support the
establishment of small and medium size vegetable and fruit processing enterprises
in Khovd khot and the Buyant river delta area and help to improve the access to
glasses and lids for vegetable and fruit conservation.
Further more the project should help to improve existing and to build new storage
facilities for potatoes, vegetables and fruits in order to avoid quality losses during
the storing period and extend the possible time for processing. In order to secure
the future development of irrigated crop production and the processing enterprises
to be established, the project should assist the Government of Khovd Aimag to
find legal ways to increase tariffs for imported vegetables, fruits, and potatoes.
E. ASPECTS CONCERNING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The project should offer special training courses on soil protection and organic
farming in order to keep the use of chemicals at a reasonable level. The production
of fertilizer from horn and hoofs should be supported. Farmers and their family
members should be made aware of keeping the ecological situation in balance, e.g.
by protecting ecologically sensitive areas, such as forests alongrivers and streams,
caragana bush stands etc.
Along irrigation channels fast growing trees, such as poplars, and fruit producing
trees, such as different kinds of apple trees, which are well adapted to the local
climatic conditions, should be planted as wind breaks in order to reduce deflation
of fertile top soils and to provide shadow in order to positively influence the
micro-climate and reduce evapotranspiration from soils and water surfaces. Further
more fruit bearing bushes, such as sea buckthorn should be cultivated in order to
be able to generate an additional income from fruit marketing.
The people who operate Janjin Boolt headwork have to take care that fish
movements in Buyant gol are not hindered.
167

G. Bibliography
Aimag Administration Statistics 2006.
ALAGAC, Munkhtungaamal. 2005: Report of the state control for farm and falloe land
Khovd aimag. 2005. Ulaanbaatar.
BARTHEL, H. 1990: Mongolei–Land zwischen Taiga und Wüste. Gotha.
(=Geographische Bausteine. Neue Reihe, Heft 8).
BATSAIKHAN, B., ERDEM-UNDRAKH, KH, and MUNKHTSETSEG, G. 2006:
Gazrin Khariltsaani Khuuli Togtoomjiin Emkhtgel (Compendium of laws on land and
land use). Ulaanbaatar.
CARNEY, D. 1998: Implementing the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. In: CARNEY,
D. (ed.): Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. What contribution can we make? London, S. 3-
23.
CHAMBERS, R. and CONWAY, G. R. 1991: Sustainable rural livelihoods: practical
concepts for the 21st century. IDS Discussion Paper 296. Brighton.
Geographical Atlas, 2003
DELGERAA, B. 2003: Plantation in the Buyant Gol Delta. Khovd aimag.
GOM, Government of Mongolia 2003: Economic Growth Support and Poverty Reduction
Strategy. Ulaanbaatar.
Introduction to Socioeconomic Development of Society and Economy of Khovd aimag,
2005. Khovd.
JANZEN, J. and BAZARGUR, D. 1999: Der Transformationsprozeß im ländlichen Raum
der Mongolei und dessen Auswirkungen auf das räumliche Verwirklichungsmuster der
mobilen Tierhalter. In: JANZEN, J. (ed.): Räumliche Mobilität und Existenzsicherung.
Fred Scholz zum 60. Geburtstag. Berlin (=Abhandlungen-Anthropogeographie. Institut für
Geographische Wissenschaften. Freie Universität Berlin, Bd. 60), S. 47-81.
JANZEN, J. and BAZARGUR, D. 2003: Wandel und Kontuinität in der mongolischen
Tierhaltung der Mongolei. In: Petermanns Geographische Mitteilungen, 147 Jg., No.5,
2003: 50-57.
Khovd Aimag Statistical Yearbook 2005.
KRÜGER, F. (2003): Handlungsorientierte Entwicklungsforschung: Trends,
Perspektiven, Defizite. In: Petermanns Geographische Mitteilungen 147 (1), S. 6-15.
Land Law 29.3
Law on Cultivation Agriculture 2004.
Law on Land Ownership for Mongolian Citizens 2003.
168

MAS 1990: Information Mongolia: The Comprehensive Reference Source of the People's
Republic of Mongolia. Oxford. (=Countries of the World Information Series).
MURZAEV, E. M. 1954: Die Mongolische Volksrepublik. Physisch-geographische
Beschreibung. Gotha.
Myangad Sum Administration Information June, 2006.
Myangad Sum Introduction, 2005. Khovd.
NSOM, National Statistical Office of Mongolia. 2004: Mongolia in a Market System.
Statistical Yearbook 1989-2002. Ulaanbaatar.
NSOM, National Statistical Office of Mongolia. 2006: Mongolian Statistical Yearbook
2005. Ulaanbaatar.
NYAMDAVAA, D. 2004: Nature, Society and Economy of Khovd aimag, Khovd.
OYUNKHAND, B. 2003: Geographical Atlas (Gazarzuin Atlas). Ulaanbaatar.
RADCLIFFE-BROWN, A. R. 1940: On Social Structure. In: The Journal of the Royal
Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland 70 (1), pp.1-12.
Ulaanbaatar Post 41/438 of Oct. 14, 2004:4.
http://gate1.pmis.gov.mn/mofa/end/?leftid=61 of July 30, 2006.
http://gate1.pmis.gov.mn/mofa/end/?leftid=74 of July 30, 2006.
www.Livelihoods.org (assessed on August 23, 2006).
169

H. Annexes
I. Acronyms
AAS
Atomic Absorbtion Spectrometer
AAS
Aimag Administration Statistics
ADB
Asian Development Bank
CDR
Center for Development Research
DED
Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst
DFID
Department for International Development
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
FES
Faculty od Earth Sciences
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
GIS
Geographical Information System
GOM
Government of Mongolia
GPS
GlobalPositioning System
IDS
Institute for Development Studies
KASY Khovd Aimag Statistical Yearbook 95
MAS
Mongolian Academy of Sciences
MoFA
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
MOLARE
MOngolian LAndscape REasearch
NSOM
National Statistical Office of Mongolia
SDC
Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation
SLA
Sustainable Livelihoods Approach
TACIS
Technical Assistance to the Community of
Independent States
UB
Ulaanbaatar
UK
United Kingdom
II. Special Terms
„Widder“
german water pump mechanically driven by
the water current
aimag
administrative unit of Mongolia
Arvan Ulias
name of cooperative, which means “Ten
asps”
bag
administrative unit of Mongolia
Bayan-Ulgii
the western most aimag of Mongolia
brigade
1. state farm work units in socialism time
2. subunit of negdel / sum
Davshilt
negdel name of Myangad sum
dun nogoo artichoke (cynara scolymus- served as a
vegetable)
170

gol
Govi-Altai
Janjin Boolt
Khantungalag
Khar Nuur
khashaa
khot
Khovd
Khovd gol
Khovd Ikh Surguuli
khushuu
Mongol Altai Mountain
negdel
nuur
sangiin aj akhui
sum
tejeeliin aj akhui
Tsuurai
tuv zakh
Ulaanbaatar
Uvs
zakh
Zavkhan
zud
river
western aimag’s name
“Janjin” dam
name of cooperative
name of lake, which means „Black lake“
fenced in yards, which surround the yurts and
cottages
city
western aimag’s name
largest river of Khovd aimag
Khovd University
administrative unit before revolution
mountain range in western Mongolia
production cooperative (focused on livestock
rearing)
lake
state farm
administrative unit of Mongolia
fodder crop farm
name of herders’ group, which means “Echo”
central market
capital city of Mongolia
western aimag’s name
market
western aimag’s name
heavy snowfall, freezing rain or strong frost
III. Industrial Production of Khovd aimag (2000-2005)
Production
Unit
Products
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Food
Bread t 23.6 21.9 1.3 155.7 131.1 127
Cookie/Pastries t 8.4 6.7 5.8 133.2 152 109
Vodka 1,000 l 71.7 119.1 84.9 47.1 16.8 2.1
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Beer 1,000 l 3.3
Soft Drink 1,000 l 35.2 30.6 7.8 166.7
Sausages t 4.5 4.1 15.2 20.1
Cattlemeat t 109
Meatconserve t 0.6
Brownflour t 0.9
Barleyflour t 0.5
Flour t 110 36.5 55 90
Salt t 16
Mineral Resources and
Construction
Coal 1,000 t 3.8 3.5 6 9 5.3 3
Lime/Chalk t 26
Concrete construction 1,000 m² 52.8 1.9
Iron construction pieces 751
Brick 1,000 pieces 145 420 500
Livestock Products, Textiles and other Products
Sheepskin 1,000 pieces 36 150
Cattleskin pieces 9500
Felt 1,000 m 14.2 4.9 2.1 8.6 5.7 1.5
Feltboots 1,000 pairs 3.2 1.1 0.6 0.3
Mongolianshoes pairs 70
White felt shoes pieces 6
Buriadboots pieces 2
Childshoes pieces 3
Cap pieces 3
Deel pieces 675 280 264
Europeantextiles pieces 245 464 440
Curtain pieces 2
Work apron pieces 13
Mongollock pieces 145
Electricityand Heating
Heating 1,000 kcal 31.9 33.5 37 33.8 30.3 33.3
Electricity 1,000 kWh 11,134.3 11,325.6 11,160.9 12,444.6 12,380 14,337.2
Source: Statistics provided byaimagadministration
IV. People Met (Selection)
1. Altankhuyag-Environmental and Water Officer / Khovd Aimag Administration
2. Baasandorj–Head of Meteorological Station of Khovd khot
3. Bakhat–Land Officer of Khovd sum
4. Batbayar. L–Chief of Governors Office
5. Batbold. Kh –Governor of Jargalant sum
6. Batbuureg–Statistical Officer of Khovd Aimag Administration
7. Bold –Officer for Financial Affairs
8. Bräunlich, Axel-DED Advisor to Khar Us Nuur National Park
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9. Budee–Land Officer of Khovd aimag
10. Damiran. Ts–Member of Mongolian Parliament/ Chairman of Standing Committee
on Economic Policy
11. Dargerkhaan –Governor of Khovd sum
12. Ganbaatar–Officer of Environment
13. Enkhbold -Vice -Governor of Khovd aimag
14. Erkhembayar–Governor of Myangad sum
15. Myagmartsooj –Governor of Buyant sum
16. Nyamaa. D –Advisor to the Governor of Khovd Aimagand Officer for Donor
Relation
17. Nyamdavaa. G–Governor of Khovd aimag
18. Purevdorj–Member of Mongolian Parliament Purevkhuu -Engineer of “Shandni
Bulag” –Company
19. Purevkhuu –Engineer of “Shandni Bulag„ -Company
20. Sengedorj–Vice -Governor of Jargalant sum
21. Teleykhan –Vice -Governor of Khovd sum
22. Turmunkh –Land Officer of Buyant sum
23. Tsend-Ayush –Head of Dept. of Agriculture, Infrastructure and Environment
24. Tseveenravdan. D–Field Office Director of WWF
25. Waldemar Holmgen -UNDP International TechnicalAdvisor
V. Maps
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