The expanding global population has surged from 500 million in the mid-18th century to 7.8 billion today, with projections indicating sustainability for 10 billion individuals. Hence, optimization of water and land resources is imperative to feed the growing population. This article examines the Mil and Karabakh Plains, an important agricultural region in the Kura-Araz Plain of Azerbaijan. Historically, the said area relied on natural resources like rivers and aquifers for irrigation until the construction of the Orjonikidze Canal in 1933. Subsequent initiatives, including the Old Khangizi and New Khangizi canals, also enhanced the irrigation capacity. Soil reclamation projects between 1971 and 1985 aimed to maximize the utilization of arable lands, as challenges, i.e., water scarcity, persisted. The introduction of the Main Mil Canal in 1976 and the New Khangizi Canal in 1985 bolstered water access. However, incomplete drainage systems considerably affect the hydrogeological conditions. Despite setbacks in the Mil Plain, the evolution of irrigation systems underscores the ongoing efforts of sustainably managing the water and land resources for better productivity.
Water resources, canals, drainage, mechanical irrigation, kahriz, canal construction, drain construction, ground water
The Mil and Karabakh Plains have seen considerable overgrazing, leading to soil degradation and vegetation loss. Overgrazing can also cause soil erosion and reduce the area’s crop productivity. The over-extraction has resulted in loss from agricultural runoff, and climate variability has contributed to water shortage in certain areas, affecting the ecosystem and crop production.