The socio-economic viability of agricultural communities directly depends on the efficiency of water use. Effective water use is possible only if scientifically based approaches are applied. The approach is scientifically based when the decision is made on the basis of measurements and observations. The introduction of a science-based approach is possible only if there are interested users and appropriate infrastructure.

At the same time, the quality of water services is assessed by the following indicators: fairness of distribution, quality, flexibility of water supply and measurability of water resources. In the absence of measurability of water resources, it is impossible to determine the first three indicators and thus the meaning of the “efficiency” of “water saving” is lost.

Based on the above logical considerations, it is safe to say that water measurement is the basis of the rational use of water resources. For this reason, the UNDP and GEF project “Supporting climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in drought-prone areas of Turkmenistan” held a field day in the pilot region - Dashoguz. Given the growing shortage of water resources, these activities are very relevant today and are among the priority adaptation measures to climate change.

The event was attended by 44 people, including the chief mirab (hydrotechnician) and agronomist of the farming union Yagtylyk, the leaders of the water users’ groups interested in water measurement, the head of the “Taze Yab” system, associates of the water use department and the mirabs of the “Geroglyetrapsuvhodzhalyk” production department, teachers and students of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute of Dashoguz.

The participants of the field day acquired skills of using a hydrometric station, learned how to measure the volume of irrigation water and keep a log book. The theoretical part, consisting of a mini-lecture, was developed on the basis of preliminary consultations with the water users and farmers.

It is expected that with proper water measurements and regulated consumption of water resources, the residents of arid regions of Dashoguz region at the level of farmers’ associations will be able to reduce the level of soil salinity by 20% and increase yield by 15%.