REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOUCES

SOUTH KARAKALPAKSTAN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

ADDENDUM TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

Tashkent, March 11, 2014

E4155 V3

Background

The Environmental Assessment and Management Plan (EAMP) has been prepared for the SKWRMIP in 2013. The EAMP duly considers potential impacts associated with the implementation of the project activities on the rehabilitation and improvement of the irrigation and drainage practices in the region. However, the issue of child and forced labor has recently been raised by the local communities and activists as the one widely introduced country-wide and causing serious concerns about human health and social welfare and stability. In order to address this issue under the project, the Bank proposed to the Government of Uzbekistan an increase of the originally identified amount of the loan by 40 mln. USD. These funds are intended to be spent, via Component 2 of the project, for the implementation of a set of measures aimed at scaling up crop diversification and intensification, and cotton harvest mechanization. The latter would include the following: (i) purchase of cotton harvesters, supplemental drying, pre-cleaning and cleaning equipment for three cotton ginneries located in the districts of Beruni, Turtkul and Elikkala, seeders; (ii) three year supply of diesel and lubricants; (iii) adoption of crop husbandry methods that are appropriate for cotton mechanization, such as preparation for harvest by using defoliants to increase the intensity of cotton leaves fall; (iv) training of farmers and ginnery staff as appropriate on crop husbandry methods, including use of defoliants, and appropriate use of the equipment to be purchased. It is expected that the proposed measures will help mechanize up to 70 % of the project area, including the districts of Beruni, Turtkul and Elikkala totaling to 35,550 ha (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 below). Although the project will not support the supply of defoliants, the introduction of cotton mechanized harvesting is associated with an increased use of those. The defoliants will be spread/sprayed by tractors.

Figure 1. SKWRMIP Project area with the current irrigation and drainage network

Figure 2. Project area

The mechanized cotton harvesting, including supply and use of defoliants is governed by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Pest Management and Protection, No. 116-II dated August 31, 2000, and associated regulations and manuals.

While overall impacts of the above activities are expected to be positive, the implementation is associated with certain environmental risks which require duly consideration and mitigation. The additional EMP below is summarizing the anticipated impacts, mitigation measures and institutional responsibilities:

Additional Environmental Management Plan

Potential Impact Mitigation Measure Implementation responsibility

Cost1

Use of cotton harvest machinery

Soil compaction The number, weight and daily and seasonal intensity of the machinery should be in accordance with local regulations on technical characteristics of locally manufactured cotton harvest

PIU, cotton harvesters users

N/A

1The cost of monitoring is incorporated into the project overall environmental monitoring budget specified in the main ESA/ESMP (2013)

machinery2; Training to be delivered to

beneficiary farmers on sustainable operation of the machinery, which minimizes soil compaction impact

10,000$

Dust generation To the possible extend, avoid using the machinery in windy days

PIU, cotton harvesters users

N/A

Noise and vibration

Use of technically advanced machinery, with required parameters to be indicated in relevant Technical Specifications;

Appropriate maintenance; Established working hours to be

strictly obeyed (9am – 6pm) as per the local regulations

PIU, cotton harvesters users

N/A

N/AN/A

Risk of contamination of soil and surface water by leaking fuels and lubricants

Site for car washing and maintenance to be confined, gravel or sand covered and have a three chamber tank for collection and separation of waste and oily water;

Vehicles to be fuelled on a confined site at least 500 m from any water body or canal

PIU, cotton harvesters users

3,000$

N/A

Use of cotton cleaning ginnery equipment

Dust generation Regular water spraying at ginnery facilities

PIU, ginnery staff N/A

Noise & vibration Use of technically advanced equipment, with required parameters to be indicated in relevant Technical Specifications;

Appropriate maintenance; Established working hours to be

strictly obeyed (9am – 6pm) as per the local regulations

PIU, ginnery staff N/A

N/AN/A

Generation of solid wastes of organic origin as a result of cotton processing

Where possible, re-use and/or recycling of generated organic wastes

PIU, ginnery staff 10,000$ needed for additional recycling equipment

Generation of waste water as a result of cotton cleaning

Ginnery facilities to be equipped with special concrete chambers of collection of waste water;

Local communal services are

PIU, ginnery staff 2,000$

10,000$

2Weight not to exceed 3800 kg, number per ha not to exceed 4, continuous use of machinery not to exceed 8 hours per day

contracted to regularly remove and dispose the waste water as prescribed by local executive and environmental authorities

Supply of diesel and lubricants

Risks of fires and pollution of soil and surface water during transportation and storage of fuel and lubricants

Storage of fuel and lubricants in special impermeable tanks;

Storage sites to be bounded and gravel or sand covered;

Spills to be immediately removed and separately disposed;

Sorbent materials available on site to contain and clean up small spills

Fire fighting equipment (fire extinguishers, reliable water source, other related equipment) to be present at all sites at easily accessible locations, and staff to be designated and trained on security procedures;

Fuels and lubricants to be transported in specialized vehicles;

Sites for fuelling the machinery have to be 500 m from any water body and agreed with local executive and environmental authorities

PIU, users of machinery and equipment at farms and ginneries

N/A

2,000$

N/A

N/A

3,000$

10,000$ might be needed to rent specialized vehicles

N/A

Storage and use of defoliants

Human health risk The defoliants which are likely to be used by farmers for the preparation of fields for mechanized cotton harvest are limited to those registered in Uzbekistan3 as specified in Annex 2. Any other types of defoliants are forbidden for use;

Aerial and manual spraying are strictly prohibited;

The daily norm for the area to be treated by sprayed defoliant not to exceed 4.4 ha/day per one set of equipment4:

Direct eye and skin contact should be avoided. Use of respiration masks when working with defoliants

Use proper PPE

Repackaging into sprayers to be conducted in isolated and well-ventilated premises

Ensure that workers and local residents are downwind from the powder mixing activities

PIU, contractors or farmers responsible for harvest preparation

N/A

N/A

N/A

25,000$ cost of PPE10,000$ cost of the isolated and ventilated facilities

N/A

Fire and explosionin storage

Security procedures to be established;

Firefighting equipment to be present at all sites at easily accessible locations, and staff to be designated and trained on security procedures;

Fuels and lubricants to be stored away from ammonium nitrate

Soil contamination

Use of defoliants to be strictly in accordance with relevant labels specifying dosage, method of application etc.;

Storage of defoliants to be in accordance with the Manual and

PIU, contractors or farmers responsible for harvest preparation

N/A

5,000$

3A Manual prepared and annually updated by the State Chemical Commission established under the MAWR by the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with the Law On Pest Management No. 116-II of 08/30/2000, and also comprising Uzbek Chemical Industry State Joint Stock Company, Uzbek Agriculture Scientific Development and Production Center and Uzbek Cotton Research Institute4No unused defoliants are anticipated as they are distributed in strict accordance with the established norms under the supervision of district level expert commission under MAWR

defoliant specific requirements specified on labels; storage facility floor to be made of concrete

Soil to be monitored quarterly to detect and make sure residual concentrations are within the allowable limits

PIU, with assistance of specialized labs

5,000$

Surface and ground water contamination

Storage of defoliants to be at least 500 m far from the nearest water body, irrigation channel etc.;

Defoliants to be stored in specialized ventilated premises in isolated containers

PIU, contractors or farmers responsible for harvest preparation

N/A

3,000$

2,000$Contingency expenses

TOTAL 100,000$

Implementation Arrangements

Implementation arrangements remain similar to those specified in the Environmental Assessment and Management Plan. The Project Implementation Unit bears overall responsibility for the project compliance with this additional EMP. A dedicated environmental consultant will be contracted by the PIU on a full time basis to advise the farmers as needed and ensure the implementation of the additional EMP.

Capacity Building

The project will support building capacity among the farmers and population through a training program to be developed and customized to cover the following topics:

- Safe use and maintenance of cotton harvest machinery. Good practices to avoid and minimize soil compaction impacts. Principles of environmental management;

- Safe storage and use of defoliants, field preparation. Principles of environmental management;

- Safe use and maintenance of ginnery equipment. Training of ginnery staff on improved arrangements for harvesting (unloading and transportation of cotton to the ginneries);

- Introduction of new seed varieties. Adjustments at planting stage, including choice of appropriate cotton variety, ensuring needed distance between rows, row makers, seeding. Practices of cotton cultivation (thinning, topping).

The training program should be delivered during the first year of project implementation, before the commencement of the above activities on crop diversification and support to cotton harvest mechanization. A consultancy company will be contracted by the Project Implementation Unit to develop the training program and required materials, and deliver the training sessions.

Public Consultations

The Addendum to the EAMP has been discussed at the public consultation meeting held on March 4 th

2014, at the meeting hall of Beruni local governerate office locaed within the project area. The meeting was attended by the representatives of local farmer communities, executive authorities, local environmental agencies and NGOs. The detailed minutes of the public consultations are enclosed below in Annex 1.

Annex 1

Minutes of Public Consultations

Name / Position Question / Comment Answer

Yusupbaev Mahsud (LABAIS First deputy)

Will the 230 cotton picking machines be used only in the Project area or whole Karakalpakstan?

The number of the proposed equipment has been calculated for three project districts and they will be used only in the Project area.

Abdullaev Muminboy (Ginnery head)

The cotton picking machine manufactured in Uzbekistan is more convenient since its tractor can be used for other purposes after cotton picking season.

The World Bank experts have studied all the alternatives and the discussions on the type of equipment and the method of procurement will be finalized during the Project Appraisal Mission which will take place next week.

Kazakbaev Oybek (Beruni AIS Head)

It should be admitted that the scale of this proposal is amazing. However in order to reach the ultimate goal, farmers’ interest should be increased and their opinions should be taken.

The purpose of this meeting is to inform all the stakeholders including the farmers. Therefore we would like to ask the present attendants to convey the highlights of this meeting to farmers who could not participate today. Moreover during the implementation of the Project, there will be mass media campaigns to inform the public about the Project.

Ruzimov Olimboy (Navoi WUA Chairman)

Some farmers in the Project area were also planning to buy such machinery however as they are paying astronomic bills for electricity due to pumping they could not effort to do so. It is excellent that the Project will not only avoid the need for pumping by supplying gravity irrigation but also introduce mechanized cotton harvesting.

SKWRMIP is planned to supply gravity irrigation to the Project area. Moreover there will be training and capacity building activities. In command zones of pilot canals, complete on-farm and field level works will also implemented which will complete whole I&D network starting from main conveyance canal to main collector.

Name / Position Question / Comment Answer

Kutimov Zafar (District AWR Department Specialist)

As far as understood, the machinery will be under the balance of the ginneries. We believe that this is a very correct choice since it is very difficult for the WUAs to operate them. On the other hand in case they are handed over to MTPs most of the farmers may not pay to MTPs for their services on time. However it is very easy for the ginneries to take their service fees from the farmers.

As already stated above, all these alternatives have been studied by the World Bank experts together with relevant local organizations in order to develop a sustainable model.

Matchanov Husan (Biybozor WUA Chairman)

Is it possible to procure crawled tractors for the farmers who are located on the marginal lands located at the outer zones of the Project area?

As already stated, the main purpose of inclusion of this additional fund is to avoid child and forced labor and hence the proposals have been identified with this goal in mind. However, there is another project component under which a set of agro-hydro-melioration equipment will be procured. It is expected that the list will be finalized during the Project Appraisal mission.

Sanarbaev Muzaffar (AWRD Head)

What does the project aim from crop diversification.

In parallel with the overall Government strategy, the project aims to develop the most optimal crop pattern which will allow the best use limited resources and maximize the benefits. Project will demonstrate modern techniques for other crops as well. Moreover it is planned to include the three project districts in other WB projects (RESP-II and Horticulture Development Project) aiming to develop horticulture and cold storage.

List of attendants

№ Name Place of work Position

1 Yusupbaev Mahsud LABAIS First Deputy

2 Khidirbaev Atabay District WUA Chairman

3 Turabaev Oybek Jumaniyozov WUA Chairman

4 Shukurboev Holmurod Makhtumkuli WUA Chairman

5 Yuldashev Rashid Guliston WUA Chairman

6 Nurullaev Shuhrat Reclamation Beruni distr. Head

7 Kazakbaev Oybek AIS5 Beruni Head

8 Radjapov Sadulla Ozod WUA Chairman

9 Khudoberganov Kuylimjoy Chemistry Beruni distr. Deputy head

10 Ruzimov Olimboy Navoi WUA Chairman

11 Kutimov Zafar District AWR Department Specialist

12 Masharipov Komil District AWR Department Specialist

13 Tajiev Bakhtiyor District AWR Department Specialist

14 Matchanov Husan Biybozor WUA Chairman

15 Nizamatdinov Golim Кazakyap WUA Chairman

16 Saytmambetov Rahmatullo Beruniy-Nayman WUA Chairman

17 Jollibekov Murat State Committee for Nature Expert

18 Derbisaliev Murat Beruniy-Nayman WUA Chief specialist

19 Alimov Muhammad AIS Ellikkala Deputy head

20 Sanarbaev Muzaffar AWRD6 Head

21 Serjanov Niyatboy ММТP Deputy head

22 Jumanazarov Sultanboy Agriculture chemistry Head

23 Abdullaev Muminboy Ginnery Head

5 Administration of Irrigation Systems6 Agriculture and Water Resources Department

24 Yuldashev Davron КК HGME Engineer

25 Mirzakulov Komil Ecology Inspector

26 Muminov Shavkat WUA Head

27 Sharipov Gayrat Buston WUA Head

28 Khudoyberganov Ibrosh WUA Head

29 Avedov Istam Amirobod WUA Head

30 Polvonov Ilhom Jayhun WUA Head

31 Ruzimbetov Alliyor Jayhun sohili WUA Head

32 Karimov Ibadulla Suv gavhari WUA Head

33 Khidirbaev Atabay Beruni distr. WUA Engineer- hydrotechnician

34 Turabaev Oybek К. Jumaniyozov WUA Agronomist

35 Jumatov Zaripbay Shobboz WUA Hydrotechnician

36 Ruzimov Olimboy Alloma Navoi WUA Mechanical engineer

37 Yuldashev Rashid Gulistan WUA Accountant

38 Nurimbetov Turebay Kiyatobod WUA Engineer

39 Radjapov Sadulla Ozod WUA Veterinarian

40 Shukurbaev Kholmurod Makhtumkuli WUA Hydrotechnician

41 Nihametdinov Beret Ozod-Kozok-yab WUA Hydrotechnician

42 Esnazarov Muratbek Ulugbek WUA Agronomist

43 Seitmambetov Rahmatulla Beruniy WUA Hydrotechnician

44 Matchanov Husan Biybazar WUA Mechanical engineer

45 Aytimov Seydabulla Оltinsoy WUA Hydrotechnician

46 Аrishev Jaras Yangiobod-Nayman WUA Agronomist

47 Taganmuratov M А Turtkul AWRD Head

48 Sadullaev Abdurahmon Turtkul AWRD Deputy head

49 Atabaev Ravshanbek Turtkul Oq oltin HJ Head

50 Saburov Sirojiddin Turtkul Oq oltin HJ Department head

51 Nurimbetov Mammatsapa Turtkul agriculture chemistry Head

52 Ibragimov Salomaddin Turtkul agriculture chemistry Specialist

53 Sultonboev Bahtiyor PAN-ISA Turtkul dept. Head

54 Matchanov Bahodir PAN-ISA Turtkul dept. Specialist

55 Kutlimuratov Marat PAN-ISA Turtkul dept. Specialist

56 Nurimov Ikrom PAN-ISA Turtkul dept. Department head

57 Ruzumov Azimboy Turtkul district WUA Chairman

58 Arazmatov Pulat Miskin WUA Manager

59 Arazov Avazgeldi Miskin WUA Chief Accountant

60 Saparov Egamberdi Amu-Uzbekiston WUA Manager

61 Hudaybergenov Davlat Amu-Uzbekiston WUA Chief Accountant

62 Klichev Yusupbay Buzyop WUA Manager

63 Rozimov Holmurot Shurahon WUA Manager

64 Matyakubov Hamid Shurahon WUA Chief Accountant

65 Bekchanov Sheripboy Amirobod-Turtkul WUA Manager

66 Reyimbaev Anvar Amirobod-Turtkul WUA Chief Accountant

67 Sultanov Jumaniyaz Ullibog-Gavhari WUA Manager

68 Bobojonov Shukrillo Bagyap-Turtkul WUA Manager

69 Atajanov Mahsud Bagyap-Turtkul WUA Chief Accountant

70 Ayanboev Turabek Kuhna-Kelteminar WUA Manager

71 Durdiev Ayitboy Kuhna-Kelteminar WUA Chief Accountant

72 Holliev Bayram Toza-Kelteminar WUA Manager

73 Durdieva Gulzor Toza-Kelteminar WUA Chief Accountant

74 Egamberdiev Shavkat Kumbaskan-Yanbosh WUA Manager

75 Ashirov Murot Kumbaskan-Yanbosh WUA Chief Accountant

76 Atabaev Umar Yanbash WUA Manager

77 Sattarov Hakimboy Yanbash WUA Chief Accountant

78 Boyjonov Tuyli Kukcha WUA Manager

79 Bektukaev Nurpeis Kukcha WUA Chief Accountant

80 Nazarov Gurban Pahtaobod-Navruz WUA Manager

81 Kurbandurdiev Gurban Pahtaobod-Navruz WUA Chief Accountant

82 Saparov Alisher Oq oltin Navruz WUA Manager

A

nnex 2

List of defoliants allowed for use in Uzbekistan

(as per the Manual on the Use of Defoliants, 2013)

1. Super Magnesium chlorate Mg(ClO3)2 Liquid (ХМД)

2. PolyDEF: Super Magnesium chlorate Mg(ClO3)2 Liquid (ХМД) + Na carboxymethyl cellulose Na [C6H7O2(OH)3-x (OCH2COOH)x]n

3. UzDEF: magnesium chlorate, carbamide, ammonium nitrate, acetateethanolamin.