FINAL REPORT

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.
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