Water resources management and irrigation sector development program adopted

On August 12, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of proposals on water resources management and the development of the irrigation sector.

Given the water scarcity in the region, its careful and rational use is a highly pressing task. In Uzbekistan, constant attention is paid to this issue: irrigation networks are being repaired, and water-saving technologies are being introduced.

In particular, during 2020-2024, 60 trillion UZS of budget funds and 622 million US dollars of foreign investment were allocated for these purposes. While in 2020 the areas where water-saving technologies were applied accounted for only 4 percent of the total irrigated land, by 2025 this figure is expected to reach 50 percent.

In continuation of these efforts, a program for water resources management and the development of the irrigation sector for 2025-2028 has been developed.

At the presentation, officials reported on the measures provided for in the program.

The program prioritizes the rational use of water resources. It envisions the reconstruction of 2,551 kilometers of irrigation networks. Replacing outdated equipment at pumping stations with more energy-efficient models will reduce their annual electricity consumption from 6.8 to 6.2 billion kilowatt-hours.

Soil condition is an essential factor in water consumption. Measures are planned to reduce the area with low water supply from 424,000 to 276,000 hectares, as well as to improve land with high salinity levels and shallow groundwater. As a result, 460,000 hectares of land will be returned to agricultural use.

Water-saving technologies will be introduced on 1.4 million hectares, including drip irrigation on 293,000 hectares. Control and measuring equipment will be modernized at 20 major facilities.

To minimize the human factor in water accounting, modern monitoring systems will be introduced at 12,000 reclamation wells and 1,750 pumps. Twelve major hydraulic structures will be transitioned to automated control using digital technologies.

As a result of the program, the share of canals with concrete lining will increase from the current 39 percent to 47 percent, the quality of irrigation networks will improve, and water losses will decrease. It is expected that, through savings, 10 billion cubic meters of water will be conserved this year, and up to 14 billion cubic meters by 2028.

The Head of State approved these proposals and adopted the Water Resources Management and Irrigation Sector Development Program of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2025-2028.

During the presentation, information was also provided on increasing efficiency and digitalization in the sector, as well as expanding private sector participation.

At present, work has begun on automating 18,755 hydrological stations in regions, districts, and farms, with the next stage involving the installation of equipment at water distribution points in the fields.

Particular attention was given to the digitalization of the water management sector. It was instructed to integrate 11 sectoral programs into a single platform, establish an IT center and a situation center, making extensive use of the capabilities of Uzbekspace.

The task was set to equip 5,200 pumps with electricity and water meters and to transition large pumps to renewable energy sources. The data obtained will be accumulated on a digital platform, where an analysis of the economic efficiency of water use will be carried out.

At present, 2,612 water facilities have been transferred to private management, and now large pumping stations will also be offered to the private sector under attractive conditions for investors.

Last year, 159 state water supply service institutions were established based on district irrigation departments. To improve their operations, they will be granted the right to allocate their own funds independently.

Since the quality of services and the sector’s efficiency largely depend on the qualifications of specialists, it is planned to establish a training center with 200 seats to enhance the skills of employees.

The President instructed to improve the regulatory framework of the sector, increase water use efficiency, and promote a culture of careful water consumption in society.

UzA