Members of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) participated in the National Irrigation Forum, which took place on May 19 at Uman National University. The event brought together farmers, students, researchers, industry experts, and business representatives to discuss the development of land reclamation, modern irrigation systems, and the adaptation of agricultural production to climate-related challenges.

During the forum, UAC Deputy Chairman Dmytro Kokhan spoke about the progress of Ukraine’s irrigation reform and the UAC’s contribution to its implementation. He noted that the adoption of legislation on Water Users Organizations became one of the key milestones in launching irrigation reform and creating conditions for the modernization of irrigation infrastructure.

"Just a few years ago, the land reclamation sector was practically stagnant due to the lack of clear rules for infrastructure management and insufficient involvement of farmers in these processes. Today, the reform is already providing momentum for irrigation development, but at the same time there is a growing demand for qualified specialists in the field," said Dmytro Kokhan.

He also emphasized that land reclamation and water resource management are becoming a distinct and promising area within the agricultural sector. Therefore, it is essential to engage young people in this field and train the professionals who will be needed by the industry in the coming years.

UAC members and Board Members Serhii Parovyk and Serhii Rybalko shared their practical experience in developing irrigation systems. They spoke about the implementation of irrigation, water storage, and water conservation solutions in their own farming operations, as well as the challenges faced by agricultural producers in southern regions due to water scarcity and climate change.