TIRANA, November 3 /ATSH/ – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla participated today in the international conference “ALBANIA WATER 2030.”
Attending the event were also Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj, ambassador of Spain, rector of the Agricultural University of Tirana, representatives from CIHEAM Zaragoza, and various experts in the field.
Discussions focused on the sustainable management of water resources, the modernization of irrigation systems and addressing the challenges posed by climate change within the agricultural sector.
In his remarks, Minister Salla emphasized that the modernization of agriculture requires long-term investments and policies grounded in scientific expertise. He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development allocates over 3 billion lekë annually in infrastructure for irrigation, drainage and flood protection, with total investments for the 2025–2027 period reaching 10 billion lekë.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, Salla underscored the need for investments that go beyond the mere rehabilitation of existing infrastructure—investments based on scientific studies, water balance analyses, and technological solutions tailored to the specific characteristics of the terrain.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of increasing water storage capacity and transitioning toward modern irrigation systems. He mentioned projects supported by the World Bank in Divjaka and the Mursi–Konispol area, as well as interventions in the drainage systems of Maliq and Torovica.
Another key focus of the conference was strengthening cooperation between institutions and the scientific research community. Minister Salla emphasized that the partnership with the Agricultural University of Tirana will encompass joint studies, the identification of field-level challenges, the evaluation of technical alternatives and the monitoring of investment outcomes.
Salla underscored that more efficient management of water resources and knowledge-based investments are essential for the sustainable development of agriculture and the rural economy.
“We have a responsibility to transform Albania’s agricultural potential into increased production and greater well-being for rural areas,” concluded Salla. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./
