FINAL REPORT

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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