A program for water resources management and irrigation sector development has been adopted
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has approved a large-scale program for water resource management for 2025-2028, aimed at reducing water loss, modernizing irrigation networks, and digitalizing the sector. By the end of the period, the country is expected to be able to save up to 14 billion cubic meters of water annually.
On August 12, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the 2025–2028 Water Resources Management and Irrigation Development Program. The initiative aims to reduce water losses, modernize irrigation networks, and digitalize the sector. By the end of the period, Uzbekistan expects to save up to 14 billion cubic meters of water annually.
Between 2020 and 2024, the sector received 60 trillion soums and $622 million in foreign investments, with the share of irrigated land using modern technologies increasing from 4% to 50%.
Under the new program:
2,551 km of irrigation networks will be reconstructed;
pumping stations will be upgraded, cutting annual energy consumption from 6.8 to 6.2 billion kWh;
water-saving technologies will be introduced on 1.4 million hectares, including drip irrigation on 293,000 hectares;
automated water accounting will be installed at 12,000 wells and 1,750 pumps;
12 major hydraulic structures will switch to digital management.
Plans also include reducing poorly irrigated land from 424,000 to 276,000 hectares and returning 460,000 hectares to agricultural use.
The share of concrete-lined canals will grow from 39% to 47%, and 11 sectoral IT systems will be integrated into a single platform. An IT center and a situational center will be created using data from "Uzbekcosmos."
The private sector will gain more opportunities to manage facilities, including large pumping stations. A total of 5,200 pumps will be equipped with water and electricity meters, and major installations will transition to renewable energy sources.
A 200-seat training center will be established to improve staff qualifications, alongside measures to enhance the legal framework and promote a culture of responsible water use.
Between 2020 and 2024, the sector received 60 trillion soums and $622 million in foreign investments, with the share of irrigated land using modern technologies increasing from 4% to 50%.
Under the new program:
2,551 km of irrigation networks will be reconstructed;
pumping stations will be upgraded, cutting annual energy consumption from 6.8 to 6.2 billion kWh;
water-saving technologies will be introduced on 1.4 million hectares, including drip irrigation on 293,000 hectares;
automated water accounting will be installed at 12,000 wells and 1,750 pumps;
12 major hydraulic structures will switch to digital management.
Plans also include reducing poorly irrigated land from 424,000 to 276,000 hectares and returning 460,000 hectares to agricultural use.
The share of concrete-lined canals will grow from 39% to 47%, and 11 sectoral IT systems will be integrated into a single platform. An IT center and a situational center will be created using data from "Uzbekcosmos."
The private sector will gain more opportunities to manage facilities, including large pumping stations. A total of 5,200 pumps will be equipped with water and electricity meters, and major installations will transition to renewable energy sources.
A 200-seat training center will be established to improve staff qualifications, alongside measures to enhance the legal framework and promote a culture of responsible water use.
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