President inspects agrivoltaics technology in Quva district

As part of his visit to the Fergana region, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited an agricultural complex in the Quva district where agrivoltaics technology has been implemented.

In Uzbekistan, given the growing energy demand in agriculture and water management, special attention is paid to expanding green energy capacity. Agrivoltaics enables the simultaneous cultivation of crops and the generation of electricity using solar panels on the same plot of land.

This approach is particularly effective in Uzbekistan’s conditions, given the high number of sunny days. According to estimates, the country’s potential for this technology reaches 10 gigawatts. Solar panels provide shade for crops, help retain soil moisture, and reduce water consumption. In turn, the crops help maintain optimal ground temperature and improve the efficiency of the solar modules.

The complex has also implemented advanced water-saving technologies. In particular, a sprinkler irrigation system based on technology from the Austrian company Bauer is used. It ensures a uniform supply of water to the fields, helps maintain soil moisture, enables precise fertilizer application, and increases yields.

This technology was previously tested on farms across the country and demonstrated high efficiency, with water consumption reduced by 40 percent, fertilizer use by 35 percent, and manual labor by 90 percent, while yields increased by 25 percent.

The 110-hectare complex combines intensive horticulture, livestock farming, and fish farming. It is one of the first agro-complexes in the country to implement renewable energy sources alongside water-saving technologies.

A total of 10,000 solar panels have been installed at the site. In addition to generating electricity, they help retain soil moisture by providing shade for plants. The electricity is used to oxygenate fish ponds, while the mineral-rich water is used to irrigate vineyards and orchards.

An integrated system has also been established in the livestock sector, where cattle are kept in the shade of solar panels, feed on grass from the orchards, and organic fertilizers are used to improve soil fertility. As a result, energy, water, feed, and fertilizers are combined into a single efficient chain.

This system enables dual use of land, reduces production costs, and enhances competitiveness. Most importantly, it contributes to higher incomes for farmers, job creation, and the development of the local economy.

The agro-complex currently cultivates the export-oriented “Avatar” grape variety, raises pedigree cattle and sheep, and operates intensive fish farming. As a result, the incomes of more than 100 families have increased, and 350 jobs have been created. Export volumes amount to $2.5 million.

Plans are now in place to scale up this experience, unique not only for the country but for the wider region, across 2,000 hectares in 13 regions of Uzbekistan.

The Head of State also observed crop processing operations and the use of agro-drones for monitoring at the complex.