The increase of grain yield produced as a result of irrigation maintaining an optimal regime 85 of maximal evapotranspiration, realized by an average rate of 129.7 mm for 14 years was 41.7, i.e. 28.3 in normal years, 50.5 in moderately dry years and 75.5 in dry years. Durum wheat has a more pronounced reaction to irrigation than soft wheat. In conditions of rational irrigation regime the effect of irrigation on it is 25.8 increased grain yield, while in soft wheat this increase is only 7.8. Taking into account its higher purchasing price, it seems more economically feasible to use the field rotation areas intended for wheat by sowing durum wheat in the regions where it is grown.