Document Type : Original Article

Author

• Nader Heydari

Associate Professor, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI); Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO); Karaj; Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Irrigation modernization is the process of updating and improving the existing irrigation plan in order to achieve advanced technical, economical, or social goals. It goes beyond just creating modern physical structures and equipment in the irrigation network, but also includes organizational, institutional, and policy measures and reforms. Based on expert opinions, modernization of irrigation networks in Iran is very important and has many advantages.
The activities carried out in the modernization projects that have been carried out in recent years in different countries, mainly include the change of water distribution systems based on open gravity channels to pipe networks under pressure to supply water to irrigation systems, and the implementation of pressurized irrigation methods (mainly drip or sprinkler irrigation methods) and intelligence and automation in irrigation systems in the fields.Modernization of systems has various advantages, including increasing reliability and flexibility, which lead to improved irrigation efficiency and increase crop yield; these two indicators play an important role in terms of durability and sustainability of irrigation projects. 
Methodology
This research was carried out with the aim of developing a basic road map for the modernization of irrigation networks and emphasizing the related issues and challenges in the agricultural water sector in three steps. In the first and second steps, by reviewing and analyzing all related local and international scientific literature, issues, challenges, and various components affecting the modernization process were identified and then compiled in the form of a comprehensive questionnaire and expert opinions were obtained.      n the third step, by holding a joint brainstorming workshop on the subject and with the necessary facilitations, the answers to the various key questions were obtained. Then, by combining the results of the workshop with the results obtained from the first and second steps, the main and key influencing factors in the basic road map of modernization of irrigation networks related to the following item were identified and compiled (step 4). These includes: expected goals; issues, problems, and obstacles; strategies/solutions (actions); what kind of modernization and where in the network; priority indicators in selecting networks; effectiveness monitoring indicators and the methods; and how the discussion of modernization enters laws, macro-level documents, and development plans. 
Results and Discussion
After some brain storming discussions, some key questions were raised as topics discussed in the workshop, and with necessary facilitation, the related outputs were obtained. In Figures 1 and 2, the main and key components of the road map for the modernization of irrigation networks are presented and displayed according to the various key questions proposed on the subject. 
 Considering the water crisis in the country and the need for optimal use of water in irrigation networks, as well as the results of the review and analysis of the opinions of experts in the field of water management and experts in the subject under discussion, the modernization of irrigation networks in the country is very necessary.
When formulating the modernization roadmap, it is crucial to take various aspects of the issue into account. These include identifying effective parameters and necessary criteria for selecting and prioritizing networks for modernization, as well as understanding both internal and external obstacles that may hinder the modernization process. Additionally, it's important to assess the extent to which modernization contributes to real water conservation. 
   The challenges and problems pertaining to the modernization of irrigation networks can be categorized into four main groups: technical, economic-social, institutional-legal, and environmental. Among these, the economic-social and institutional-legal aspects hold particular significance. Notably, some vital issues in these categories involve empowering farmers, addressing problems related to cooperative farming systems, improving farmer engagement and participation, establishing comprehensive farming systems, and enhancing coordination among different executive organizations and stakeholders.     
To successfully implement the modernization roadmap, it becomes imperative to develop comprehensive exploitation systems and water users associations. Moreover, special attention should be directed towards enhancing the networks' resilience and flexibility to effectively combat the impacts of climate change. Several other critical and challenging points also need consideration when adopting modernization policies and solutions in the country, including:
  In the process of implementing the modernization roadmap, the entire system, that is, from the water supply source, the conveyance network (both main and secondary canals), to the farm and the irrigation system, should be seen together and integrated, as far as the consensus of opinion is that the title of this integrated process should be called "irrigation modernization" (not irrigation network modernization).
  The challenge of paying attention to the rehabilitation and its integration and simultaneous implementation with the main activities of modernization.
Modernization is one of the requirements of changing the supply-based water distribution system to a water demand-based distribution system. But at the same time, it should be noted that due to the lack of water in the networks due to drought, climate change, the expansion of the cultivated area, etc., and as a result of the increase in water demand, the water requirement of the command areas of the network should be provided by a conjunctive method and modernization should not cause social tensions in the network in this regard.
  The challenge of creating the platform and hardware and software infrastructures necessary for social and cooperative management of operation and maintenance of networks and in the framework of compiling and establishing a "participatory water exploitation system".
The challenge of volume delivery of water and the accurate determination of applied and required water in the farm, considering that water delivery is based solely on traditional and historical concepts and methods, and the existence of previous traditional and outdated water rights is another challenge in the field of implementing modernization.
  Issues and challenges related to the weaknesses in the training of experts in the field of modernization and required technologies and the lack of related research projects in universities and research institutes.
Challenges related to weaknesses in specialized training for extension staff and farmers and overall weaknesses in capacity building and the problem of creating modern farmers.
Modernization is a complex and time-consuming process, and it must be implemented with necessary planning, and also the local community and the user should justify and accept it. In the first step, this concept should be explained and mainstreamed in the relevant literature and the expert community, and this term and its related programs should be properly entered into the country's macro-level documents and development plans. The purpose and necessity of modernization should be specified and targeted in such a way as to ensure the sustainability of the land and the satisfaction and the livelihood resilience of the beneficiaries.  
In the modernization program, the goal, the amount of development, and the method of doing the work should be mentioned and specified, and the required credibility should be taken into consideration, so that the legislator and the budget provider can be justified. The modernization program and the implementation of its plan must first be seen and prepared on a national scale (and even if possible with a basin view). That is, the plans should be seen comprehensively and for the sustainable development of the country and in a national scale. Also, the existence of a comprehensive road map with the necessary details is necessary so that the plans have a guarantee of implementation and are not influenced by the governments and the plans are not changed or deviated by their changes.

Keywords

• Beneficiaries"
• Modernization"
• Road map"
• "
• Strategy"

Main Subjects

• Irrigation network management