Irrigation and Operational Maintenance Training

This training course will provide participants with insights and understanding of how Irrigation systems, both large and small, are planned, designed and managed, and of the economic and livelihood benefits of irrigated agriculture. Also helps to understand soil fertility concepts and enhancing strategies that maximize profits and agronomic use efficiency.

CONTENT

The Role and Impact of Irrigation in Global Agriculture

• Irrigated agriculture and water use
• Role of the international funding agencies in irrigation development
• Economics of irrigation

Fundamentals of Irrigation

• Components of irrigation and drainage schemes
• Water resources, hydrology and irrigated agriculture
• Determining irrigation water requirements
• Types of irrigation systems: surface, drip, and sprinkler.
• Understanding water use efficiency in irrigation.
• Introduction to irrigation scheduling and its significance.

Design, Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems

• Design of irrigation and drainage systems
• Identifying and repairing leaks and blockages.
• Preventive Irrigation maintenance techniques
• Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues.
• Upgrading and retrofitting irrigation systems.

 Water Resource Management

• Principles of sustainable water resource management.
• Techniques for water conservation in irrigation.
• Monitoring water quality and its impact on irrigation.
• Managing water distribution networks.
• Addressing water scarcity challenges in agriculture.

Management Structures and Way Forward

• Management structures for irrigation
• Improving efficiency

Sustainable Irrigation Practices

• Integrating renewable energy sources with irrigation systems.
• Promoting soil health through efficient water use.
• Adopting climate-smart irrigation practices.
• Assessing the environmental impact of irrigation.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology combines lectures, discussions, group exercises and illustrations. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of the topics and as a result participant will go back to the workplace with both the ability and the confidence to apply the techniques learned to their duties.