Improving Irrigation Systems through Smart Technology

Irrigation systems in Asia face various challenges, such as aging infrastructure, low water productivity, and high risk of failure, among others. Many irrigation systems also use outdated technology. This presentation shares valuable lessons drawn from Australia's experience in improving its own water systems. These lessons, along with the use of smart technology, can help improve irrigation in ADB's developing member countries.

Improving Irrigation Systems through Smart Technology

Australia's National Water Initiative, including recent water policies, technological innovations, and models to improve water productivity of irrigation systems yield many lessons that may be beneficial to other countries. This learning event shared some of these lessons and highlighted pathways and opportunities to overcome water data constraints using smart technology. It also discussed key policy measures that ADB's developing member countries may adopt to improve irrigation systems.

Promoting Good Governance in Irrigation

This document presents a broadened perspective of governance in irrigation. It discusses these three key aspects: (i) lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen institutional, policy, and legal frameworks to improve performance; (ii) changing rural dynamics and the feminization of agriculture; and (iii) the influence of subsidies and price distortions on water productivity.