Sub-Theme 1: Policy and Strategy for Modernization of Irrigation Systems

• Development planning for modernization including the overall vision, development lay-out, roadmap of implementation, safeguard measures, etc.
• Supporting policies for modernization adopted by all levels of government on matters such as investment, construction material, facilities and equipment, operation and maintenance, management system and mechanisms
• Laws and regulations supporting and safeguarding modernization and preparing conducive social and economic environment for ensuring longevity of the measures
• WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) nexus approaches for managing trade-offs and enhancing synergies

Sub-Theme 2: Technology for Modernization of Irrigation Systems

• Engineering technologies for modernization: water consumption monitoring technologies, coordinated multi-water-source allocation technologies, handling of ageing infrastructure for water resources storage and conveyance, responsive canal network/pipeline water delivery and distribution technologies, scheduling and control technologies of water use, on-farm irrigation technologies, etc.
• Management technologies for modernization: Smart-water management technologies including information sensing and transmission technologies, data governance and integration, establishment of a knowledge base, decision support system, drone applications in improving precision irrigation management and scheduling, etc.
• Technical standards system for modernization: the dimensions modernization, the expected results of modernization, comparative studies of technical standards of different countries, etc.
• Innovative approaches for irrigation performance appraisal including landscape-based approaches

Sub-Theme 3: Financing for Modernization of Irrigation Systems

• Investment by all levels of government
• Investment by the private sector and the banking sector
• Investment by the beneficiaries, such as farmers, WUAs, etc.
• Investments and revenue models for sustained asset management of irrigation systems for its operation and maintenance
• Investments for Asset Management of Irrigation Systems for improved services delivery

Sub-Theme 4: Performance Assessment of Irrigation Systems

• Assessment of physical infrastructures such as storage and diversion work, canal networks, pumping stations, water gates, etc.
• Assessment of management and water service delivery
• Assessment of socio-economic, eco-environment and natural resources benefits for improved productivity