BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 18. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted a $48 million loan for the enhancement of agricultural irrigation systems and the facilitation of institutional reforms in Georgia, Trend reports.
The approved Climate Smart Irrigation Sector Development Program represents ADB's inaugural involvement in Georgia's agriculture sector, with the goal of enhancing climate resilience and productivity. This initiative will facilitate the establishment of a modernized piped irrigation network spanning approximately 7,000 hectares within the Kvemo Samgori irrigation scheme area situated in the agricultural region of Kakheti.
According to the bank, the modernization of the Kvemo Samgori irrigation scheme involves the construction of an integrated closed pipe and open network for conveying irrigation water, spanning approximately 630 kilometers. This will replace the existing open canal system.
The program aims to assist farmers in upgrading their irrigation and agricultural production technologies, particularly for high-value crops such as grape vineyards. This encompasses the implementation of climate-smart water management and irrigation techniques, the exploration of local water storage and recycling possibilities, and the implementation of measures to counteract soil erosion.
Since 2007, the ADB has been a significant supporter of Georgia and stands as one of the country's major multilateral development allies. The cumulative value of ADB's sovereign and private sector loans to Georgia amounts to $3.9 billion. The bank's primary development objectives in Georgia encompass the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, the alleviation of poverty, the enhancement of regional connectivity, and the improvement of public service delivery.