Moldovan government simplifies conditions for setting up, operating irrigation water user associations

26 March 2025, Chișinău - Setting up and activity of irrigation water user associations will be facilitated. The government has approved amendments that remove legal and administrative obstacles in this regard and provide farmers with more clarity on functioning centralized irrigation systems. 

Under the document, based on a single-sector irrigation system, only one association can be set up. The division and partial transfer of equipment and machinery within a pumping station and other infrastructure objects within an irrigation system are not allowed. They can only be transferred in full to ensure continuous functionality.

A new element is the possibility for associations to earn income from the sale of electricity generated from renewable sources. They can be used for maintenance and modernization of the systems. 

The rehabilitation of centralized irrigation systems is a priority task for the Republic of Moldova, set in the National Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy for 2023-2030. The measures included aim to strengthen the potential of the agricultural sector and promote smart, sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. 

Currently, in the Republic of Moldova, there are 40 water user associations and 88 irrigation systems, of which 22 are operational.