Hence, the maintenance of the irrigation systems is deficient and the efficiency of the systems is low as there is seepage in unlined channels that results in water losses and water logging of adjacent lands. It covered 32 000 hectares of irrigated lands in nine oblasts. Improvement of irrigation and drainage systems was complemented by co-operative water use based on international experience. The programme also included assistance to the Hydrogeological and Ameliorative Expedition of the Committee on Water Resources to monitor the irrigated lands.