IRRIG. REHAB.

closed

The main objectives of the project are to protect and increase agricultural production and incomes and to raise the standard of living of the beneficiaries through rehabilitation and improved operation and maintenance (O&M) of existing irrigation schemes. Subsidiary objectives are to: (a) upgrade the skills of staff of implementing agencies and the farmers; and (b) establish viable farmer organizations for managing the rehabilitation schemes. The project will include: (a) rehabilitation and improvement of about 1,000 minor and 60 medium/major irrigation schemes covering about 27,500 ha; (b) establishment of farmer organizations and introduction of improved O&M practices in all rehabilitation schemes; (c) training of staff of implementing agencies and farmers; (d) execution of environmental protection works and studies; (e) establishment of three new support units in the Irrigation Department (ID) and execution of hydrological and socio-economic studies; (f) provision of consultants' services for project planning, implementation, and impact assessment; and (g) procurement of vehicles and equipment.