Uzbekistan Launches Climate Experiment
Technology
Starting in March, Uzbekistan will begin developing a pilot project on artificial rain enhancement. Authorities expect rainfall levels to increase by 10–20% while simultaneously accelerating large-scale water management reforms.
Under a state program decree for 2026 signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan will develop a pilot project to introduce artificial rain technology. The initiative draws on the experience of France, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Experts forecast that the technology could increase precipitation by 10–20% compared to natural levels. Implementation will begin on March 1. The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, the Academy of Sciences, and the Tashkent regional administration have been designated as responsible bodies.
At the same time, the country is launching a major water sector modernization program. Over the next three years, 10,000 kilometers of open drainage networks will be converted into closed systems. The first phase, also starting March 1, предусматривает модернизацию 3,000 kilometers of drainage and collector systems in the Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, and Khorezm regions.
Part of the irrigation canals will be experimentally converted to pressurized pipelines. By the end of 2026, at least 54.1 kilometers of networks in Kashkadarya region will be fully transitioned to closed systems using fiberglass pipes.
Water-saving technologies will be introduced on 504,000 hectares of land, enabling annual savings of up to 5 billion cubic meters of water. An additional 500 million cubic meters per year is expected to be saved through concreting 1,300 kilometers of canals and irrigation networks.
Drip irrigation will be implemented on 75,400 hectares, sprinkler systems on 97,000 hectares, and discrete irrigation on 26,200 hectares. Laser land leveling will be applied on 203,000 hectares to ensure even water distribution.
By 2028, authorities aim to introduce water-saving technologies on 80% of all irrigated land in the country, potentially saving up to 3.5 billion cubic meters of water annually.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov stated that $744 million from international financial institutions is expected to be attracted to agricultural and water management projects by the end of 2026.
Experts forecast that the technology could increase precipitation by 10–20% compared to natural levels. Implementation will begin on March 1. The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, the Academy of Sciences, and the Tashkent regional administration have been designated as responsible bodies.
At the same time, the country is launching a major water sector modernization program. Over the next three years, 10,000 kilometers of open drainage networks will be converted into closed systems. The first phase, also starting March 1, предусматривает модернизацию 3,000 kilometers of drainage and collector systems in the Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Bukhara, and Khorezm regions.
Part of the irrigation canals will be experimentally converted to pressurized pipelines. By the end of 2026, at least 54.1 kilometers of networks in Kashkadarya region will be fully transitioned to closed systems using fiberglass pipes.
Water-saving technologies will be introduced on 504,000 hectares of land, enabling annual savings of up to 5 billion cubic meters of water. An additional 500 million cubic meters per year is expected to be saved through concreting 1,300 kilometers of canals and irrigation networks.
Drip irrigation will be implemented on 75,400 hectares, sprinkler systems on 97,000 hectares, and discrete irrigation on 26,200 hectares. Laser land leveling will be applied on 203,000 hectares to ensure even water distribution.
By 2028, authorities aim to introduce water-saving technologies on 80% of all irrigated land in the country, potentially saving up to 3.5 billion cubic meters of water annually.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov stated that $744 million from international financial institutions is expected to be attracted to agricultural and water management projects by the end of 2026.
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