🔷On 21 August 2025, a unique Field Day was held, organised by the Water Users Organisation "Water of Life". The event brought together farmers and agricultural producers from Odesa Oblast, representatives of local government, the Agency for Land Reclamation and Fisheries Development, USAID, the Water Users Association, and potential members of the JMC.
This professional meeting is a vivid example of how joint efforts and faith in reform can turn an idea into a real result.

THE ROLE OF HVAC: THE WAY FROM IDEA TO RESULT
The Field Day demonstrated that the reform of water reclamation in Ukraine is opening up new horizons for farmers. Water user organisations are a form of self-organisation for farmers that allows them to act rather than wait. The restoration of the irrigation infrastructure by Water of Life proved that farmers are able to unite, attract resources, effectively manage the system and ensure a stable harvest even in arid regions.

Mykhailina Kaparulina, Chairman Water of Lifeemphasised:
"Our success is a team effort. Each member of the DEC has made his or her own contribution From large investments to daily steps in the field. I am grateful to everyone for believing in the idea and for proving together that irrigation is not a dream, it is a reality."

A touching moment of the event was when Mykhailina Kaparulina presented a personal letter of gratitude to Serhiy Kiblik, a man whom farmers call the "engine of the pumping station". His perseverance and daily work have become the basis for the smooth operation of the system, which now supplies dozens of farms with irrigation water.

🛅 TRANSFER OF EQUIPMENT TO THE BALANCE SHEET OF THE COMPANY
The highlight of the event was the official transfer of modern technical equipment to the balance sheet of the Water of Life Water Management Company by a representative of the USAID AGRO Programme. This is a recognition that Ukrainian farmers are ready to effectively manage irrigation systems.
Water of Life received UAH 18.3 million in grant support from USAID AGRO for infrastructure development and equipment modernisation. At the same time, the share of co-financing from the members of the WUC amounted to UAH 11.3 million.

This is an investment in the sustainability of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
Alla Stoyanova, a deputy of the Odesa Oblast Council, emphasised: "Odesa region has a unique potential for irrigation development. And we finally have the tools that allow farmers to plan for the future rather than survive. Our way is to combine the efforts of the state, donors and farmers themselves.
Irrigation is a national priority.

Ukraine is launching programmes that really work to restore irrigated land and modernise infrastructure."

In April 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a long-term plan for the development of the irrigation complex until 2050: investments in new systems, modernisation of old canals, and transfer of management to water user organisations.

Alla Stoyanova spoke in detail about state support programmes:
🗂The State Programme for Land Reclamation Support is in place - up to 50 % compensation for the cost of reconstruction or construction of irrigation systems (maximum UAH 26.5 thousand per hectare).
🗂"Made in Ukraine" - 25 % of compensation for the cost of domestic agricultural machinery, including irrigation equipment.
🗂Demarcation of agricultural land - the state allocates UAH 2 billion to fully restore access to land, including irrigated land.
5-7-9 % loans are available until 2026 for agricultural producers registered with the SAR and can be a source of investment in irrigation.

Irrigation means food security, export opportunities and a new rural economy. The state is taking its step. It is time for agribusiness to use these tools to the fullest."

The presentation by Sergey Ryabkov, CEO of Vodovid LLC, on innovative irrigation technologies, aroused great interest. He presented energy-saving water supply control systems, modern filtration stations and automated pressure control units that optimise costs and increase efficiency. Vodovid LLC is a partner for those who want to take their irrigation system to the next level.

💧IRRIGATION IS THE KEY TO AGRICULTURAL STABILITY

The Field Day at the Water of Life Water Reclamation Company has become more than just a professional event. It is a symbol of a new era of land reclamation in Ukraine, where the word "reform" is filled with concrete meaning - modern pumps, working canals and green fields instead of dry steppe.

💬"There is strength in cooperation. Where there is teamwork, there is water. Where there is water, there is life," Alla Stoyanova summed up the event.

🇺🇦Українське The village proves that when there is faith, support and work side by side, there is no drought that can stop development.