The study on the model of farmer participation in irrigation management in Xinjiang Region offers a concept for sustainable development of irrigated agriculture in arid regions. Xinjiang water users associations keep a healthy water order, enhance the farmer’s consciousness to conserve water, mobilize the enthusiasm of farmers, and maintain the irrigation facilities. However, association rights are imperfect; protection policies are inadequate; management and operation mechanism is not sound; the effective role in the pricing mechanism and policy are conditioned. Therefore, we should clarify the water rights, establish policies to support and guide farmers, construct the irrigation management system suitable for local characteristics, create a harmonious internal environment, and build a reasonable water price forming mechanism and a water fee collecting system.