FINAL REPORT

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
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