IRRIGATION SYSTEM REFORM IN GEORGIA: A BRIEF LEGAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

Effective irrigation and drainage systems have always been the most significant components of the sustainable development of Georgian agriculture. Almost half a million hectares of agricultural land is irrigated by irrigation systems in Georgia. The increase of reclamation areas is the basis for the growth of agricultural products, which, in turn, is a prerequisite for Georgia's position restoration as an exporting country. Taking into account that one of the main tasks of the country is the rehabilitation, modernization, raising of the technical level, and the technological and organizational perfection of its effective functioning in order to increase the fertility and yield of the soil, the development of the law of Georgia on water user organizations is on the agenda. That is the first attempt to legally regulate the land artificial irrigation issues, which will contribute to overcoming the three main challenges in the irrigation system: (1) perfect operation of the irrigation system and supply of irrigation water to users; (2) maintaining systems in good condition and (3) increasing revenues to carry out the above two activities. The paper highlights the challenges of the reclamation system of Georgia. The possibilities of implementing a new model of irrigation system management are analyzed. The legal and economic aspects of the ongoing reforms in the irrigation sector are discussed. Establishing an affordable, reliable, stable irrigation system in Georgia will help strengthen the agro-sector and the country's economy as a whole.