Development of a basic road map for modernization of irrigation networks in Iran

Irrigation modernization is the process of updating and improving an existing irrigation plan in order to achieve advanced technical, economic, or social goals. 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 of Iran. By combining the results of the main and key influencing factors in the basic roadmap for the modernization of irrigation networks related to the expected goals; issues, problems, and obstacles; strategies/solutions (actions); the type of modernization and its location in the network; priority indicators in the selection of networks; effectiveness monitoring indicators and methods; and how the discussion of modernization enters to the laws, macro-level documents, and development plans; were identified and compiled. Based on the results, the group of economic-social and institutional-political-legal issues and problems is more important than the issues of other groups, i.e. technical and environmental. Among the key issues of this group, the issues of empowering users, the exploitation system, the level of acceptance and participation of users, and weaknesses in proper and systematic coordination and communication between the institutions in charge of the issue, could be mentioned.Other important challenges from the aspects of implementing the road map and adopting policies and solutions for the modernization of irrigation networks in the Iran country include: a comprehensive approach to modernization and its implementation from the water supply source, the water conveyance network, the farm , and the irrigation system ("practically irrigation irrigation") and the challenge of delivering volumetric and accurate water for use instead of delivering it based on the water rights; issues and challenges related to the training of specialized human resources (experts and extension staff); and capacity building in operators to create modern farmers.
Other important and challenging points from the aspect of implementing the road map and adopting modernization policies and solutions in the country are: 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.