Professional qualification training courses have commenced at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia under the fourth component of the "Irrigation System Modernization" project. The training targets specialists from Water Users Associations (WUAs) and "Jrar" CJSC involved in water planning and management, operation and maintenance, billing and metering, technical operations, accounting, and financial management, as well as executive administrative staff and Water Committee specialists regulating WUA operations. The three-month course combines both theoretical and practical modules.

Since October 16, 2015, the Government of Armenia has been implementing the "Irrigation System Modernization" project with financial support from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development. The project aims to modernize irrigation systems and build institutional capacity across the Republic of Armenia. Its ultimate objectives are to increase irrigation system efficiency, expand irrigated land area, enhance the management potential of Water Users Associations, and upgrade technical equipment.

Welcoming the initiative, Deputy Chairman of the Water Committee Vachazdat Mkrtchyan emphasized that to boost agriculture, every drop of water must be utilized purposefully, making efficient water resource management paramount. Expressing gratitude to the project team for their thorough and systematic planning, V. Mkrtchyan noted: "Today, it is imperative that system management challenges and their solutions remain targeted—which is precisely what the working group has accomplished. This ensures that the anticipated results will be tangible." He also highlighted the importance of conducting practical technical sessions on-site, parallel to active irrigation operations.

Also present and offering opening remarks were Nanna Skau, Head of the UN World Food Programme Office; Gor Vardanyan, Rector of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia; and Artur Baghdasaryan, Project Coordinator and representative of the Territorial Development Fund of Armenia.