In recent years, the issue of water resource scarcity has become increasingly pressing not only in Uzbekistan but also around the world.
The introduction of water-saving technologies, the modernization of irrigation systems, and the establishment of modern management methods in this sector have become important priorities for the state. Practical and institutional cooperation has been established with several foreign countries, particularly Türkiye, yielding tangible and practical results.
Umidjon Mamarasulov, Press Secretary of the Agency for the Operation of Water Management Facilities, spoke about this.
– One of the most essential factors in promoting water-saving technologies is the availability of equipment and materials, – says Umidjon Mamarasulov. – Cooperation with major Turkish manufacturers – Akplast, Acar MAK-SAN, Ardent Plastik, and Agro New Drip – has been delivering strong results. These companies have invested in Uzbekistan and manufacture polyethylene pipes, drip irrigation tapes, pump and filtration units, and fittings. This will accelerate the adoption of water-saving technologies, reduce dependence on imports, and provide farmers with more affordable equipment.
The human factor also plays a decisive role in implementing water-saving technologies. The establishment of the School of Water Specialists is a timely initiative aimed at promoting efficient water use in the agricultural sector. The training course was launched at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan by the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers National Research University, and Agrobank. The main goal is to improve the performance of farm managers and water management personnel through efficient water use, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, which are introduced into practice in developed foreign countries.
At the School of Water Specialists, training sessions are systematically organized based on Türkiye’s advanced experience. Participants receive theoretical knowledge in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water-saving technologies. The project aims to strengthen scientific and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, introduce practical approaches to water resource management, and ensure the sustainable development of agriculture. Systemic mechanisms are being developed to increase production efficiency, protect the environment, and improve living standards by using water more efficiently.
Close cooperation has been established among the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of Türkiye in Uzbekistan, and the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, through regular meetings and negotiations. The parties have also launched professional development programs. Objectives include introducing water-saving technologies in agriculture, preventing water losses through canals, implementing digital technologies based on scientific advances, and achieving high yields of cotton and grain crops.
Taking into account factors such as climate change and other transboundary issues, the volume of water resources in the Central Asian region is expected to decrease significantly in the near future, while competition among economic sectors will reduce agriculture’s share of water allocation.
As noted by Bahadir Boz, head of the consulting company TEMELSU International Engineering Services Inc., the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has instructed all relevant organizations to take necessary measures to minimize water losses and ensure the rational use of water in irrigation. According to him, water resource management can be divided into four main categories: storage, transportation, distribution, and use. In Uzbekistan, an integrated approach is applied that covers all of these categories.
To improve water-use efficiency, efforts are underway to reduce water losses in irrigation networks and to convert irrigation systems to closed-pipeline irrigation, as well as to construct reservoirs and small water-storage facilities. These measures will contribute to the rational use of available resources during water scarcity and ensure the sustainable irrigation of crops.
In short, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye in water use is reflected not only in large-scale plans and projects but also in concrete, practical results. It encompasses industrial, educational, and infrastructure projects and will become an essential pillar of reforms aimed at the rational and careful use of water resources, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture.
Interviewed by Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA