§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations he has made to the Agricultural Reconstruction and Development Programme for Iraq to ensure that poorer farmers do not suffer from higher prices for irrigation water; and if he will make a statement. [157435]
§ Hilary BennThe USAID-supported Agricultural Reconstruction and Development Program for Iraq (ARDI) is undertaking surveys in the agriculture and natural resources sectors in Iraq in order to provide information for future policy-making by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources.
As part of this work, ARDI advisers are working with the Ministry to consider options for the reform of tariffs on water used in irrigation. The aims of such reforms would be to generate revenue to cover the operating expenses of the irrigation system and to encourage the efficient and sustainable use of scarce water resources.
DFID secondees are not closely involved in the agriculture or water resources sectors in Iraq. However, advisers from other Coalition partners in these sectors are aware of the need to put in put in place measures which will improve the situation of poor farmers on a long-term sustainable basis.