Land Development Specialist’s Day in Tajikistan Date in the current year: September 13, 2024

In agriculture, land development, also referred to as land amelioration or land improvement, is the process of converting natural lands to farmlands and improving the soil of existing farmlands. It includes, but is not limited to, irrigation, drainage, landslide and flood control, soil fertilization, chemical treatments to establish a productive chemical balance (for example, liming or plastering), etc.

Archaeological investigation has found evidence of drainage and irrigation for agricultural purposes in various ancient civilizations. Incan agriculture, for example, was only possible with irrigation waters from the many mountain rivers in the Andes. Incan farmers dug stair-step like terraces in hillside slopes and irrigated them via a complex system of reservoirs and canals.

The Indus Valley Civilization was noted for its elaborate drainage and water supply system. In addition, the people of the Indus Valley were the first to implement double-cropping, the practice of growing multiple crops in the same piece of land, planting a second crop after harvesting the first one. They grew rice and millet in summer and barley in winter, which required different irrigation regimes.

The choice of the methods and techniques of land development depends on the environmental conditions in a particular region. Tajikistan, for example, has an arid climate, so proper irrigation is crucial for its agriculture. The Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, established in 2013, is responsible for irrigation of farmlands in Tajikistan.

The Agency’s five main areas of activity are land reclamation, land irrigation, land development, water hazard risk prevention, and state support of the Water Users Association. The agency develops and implements a unified state policy in the sphere of land reclamation and development. It is also responsible for the operation, maintenance and conservation of irrigation systems and water facilities.

In addition, the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation is responsible for providing irrigation water, protecting water resources, designing and constructing new hydraulic engineering structures, strengthening river banks to reduce the effects of floods, etc.

The Agency plans it activities according to government-improved programs: the State Program for the Development of New Irrigated Lands and the Restoration of Lands Retired from Cultivation, the State Program on River Bank Protection, and the Resolution “On Measures to Improve the Condition of Irrigated Farmlands”.

On the occasion of their professional holiday, employees of the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation are congratulated by their colleagues, bosses, and government officials. Celebrations include award ceremonies, concerts, and other festive events.