These associations are restoring damaged networks, expanding irrigation areas and introducing modern land irrigation technologies. This is reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The largest number of organizations was recorded in two regions of Ukraine:
- 21 OWPs work in Cherkassy region;
- 18 ORPs – in Odessa region.
“Our task is to create transparent and clear rules that will allow agrarians to invest in the restoration and development of ecologically balanced irrigation,” said Deputy Minister of Economy Iryna Ovcharenko.
The specialized ministry continues to develop the regulatory framework for system operators and supports OICs as the main links of the reform.
Compensation for land reclamation
In 2026, the Government of Ukraine strengthened financial support for farmers and OICs operating in frontline regions. State compensation for construction, reconstruction and repair work on reclamation systems and pumping stations was increased from 50 to 80% of the total cost of projects. Currently, the allowance limit is UAH 26.5 thousand/ha (EUR 513/ha), and the total budget of this program is UAH 196.7 million (EUR 3.8 million).
In addition, the list of areas in which DECs can spend public funds has been expanded. Now it is allowed to allocate funding not only for rehabilitation of pumping stations, but also for construction and reconstruction of reclamation networks. The Ministry has already prepared new amendments to the rules, which provide for almost doubling the maximum aid.
Remark by Logos Press: in Moldova, as of the end of 2025, more than 40 Associations of Water Users for Irrigation(AUAI) were registered,including 30 of them are relatively active (managing centralized irrigation systems). There are 88 centralized irrigation systems in Moldova (on the balance of the state agency), of which less than half are in working condition. Less than 30 thousand hectares are covered by irrigation – “large-scale” (centralized) and “small-scale” (individual agricultural enterprises).
