Reclamation system restoration is the state priority

Recent years have shown that the further development of the agro-industrial complex is impossible without the restoration of the land reclamation system in the republic. This year, for example, the rainfall in the Slobodzeya district is below 30% of the average annual norm. Similar situation is in the Grigoriopol district. The reclamation system must be restored. According to deputies of the Supreme Council, this work should be one of the priority tasks of the state.

Due to the lack of working capital for agricultural producers for a long time, land reclamation was not given sufficient attention. The equipment that was installed during the Soviet Union was outdated both morally and physically. Now the main task is to restore trunk networks and pumping stations. State support is indispensable. According to the deputies of the Supreme Council, agricultural producers could find funds to restore on-farm networks and purchase sprinkling equipment.

Millions of rubles in the state program for the development of agro-industrial complex were laid this year for replacement of the pressure of the Sukleya pump station, purchase of a new pump for Pridnestrovian irrigation systems enterprise, the overhaul of pressure pipelines in Chobruchi and Tashlyk, purchase of steel pipes and pressure pipelines for the repair of reclamation facilities. The Supreme Council is ready to develop legislative initiatives that will allow the Ministry of Agriculture to receive all the money included in the target program for restoration of the reclamation system, and not be content with financing on a residual basis.

The Head of the Committee on Economic Policy Oleg Vasilaty emphasized that the development of land reclamation contributes to the revitalization of several more industries. First of all, it is electric power industry. If agriculture begins to consume more electricity, the incomes of our power engineers will increase. These are additional resources for the state. The second point is the development of land reclamation is new jobs in agriculture.

According to the parliamentarian, there are natural advantages in Pridnestrovie: climatic conditions and irrigation system that we got from the Soviet Union. These are buildings of pumping stations and equipment, part of which is still operating. There are 52 irrigation pumping stations operating in the republic, they irrigate about 19.5 thousand hectares of land. All this must be reconstructed to increase the area of ​​irrigated land. By the way, some enterprises can supply some of the equipment. For example, the Electromash plant can produce motors for pumps.

Now the situation is complicated by the fact that due to quarantine restrictions in connection with the pandemic of the new coronavirus, budget revenues are declining. The Supreme Council has developed a large legislative initiative, which provides for the reduction of government spending in many areas. This is a necessary measure in the current conditions. The only direction in which the limits will not be reduced is the program for the restoration of the reclamation complex. This year, it is planned to repair 8 irrigation stations, including the main one in Tashlyk, Grigoriopol district, as well as main canals in the Rybnitsa district and the village of Chobruchi, Slobodzeya district.