Ukraine has launched a state support program that allows Water User Organizations (WUOs) and agricultural producers to receive compensation covering up to 50% of expenses related to the reconstruction, modernization, and restoration of irrigation infrastructure. Applications are submitted through the State Agrarian Register (DAR), and the program is aimed at rebuilding irrigation systems and improving water resource management in agriculture.
Agricultural producers can receive reimbursement of up to 50% of costs for the reconstruction or construction of hydraulic infrastructure within irrigation systems, capped at UAH 26,500 per hectare of cultivated land. Water User Organizations are eligible for compensation covering up to 50% of expenses related to the reconstruction, modernization, or major repair of pumping stations that are commissioned after project completion.
According to the Ministry of Economy, irrigation development has become one of the key tools for adapting the agricultural sector to climate change. Due to drought conditions and increasingly uneven rainfall patterns, restoring irrigation infrastructure is especially important for southern regions of Ukraine. Government estimates suggest that more than one million hectares of irrigated land could be restored in the coming years.
Experts note that support for Water User Organizations is a crucial part of Ukraine’s broader irrigation reform. The transfer of state-owned hydraulic infrastructure to WUOs is expected to improve local management efficiency and attract investment into modernization projects. As climate risks continue to grow, the development of irrigation systems is becoming increasingly important not only for crop yields but also for the long-term food security and competitiveness of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.