Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan “On urgent measures to improve the efficiency of the use of water resources” was adopted.

According to the Resolution, from 1 April 2023, the procedure for state support for the introduction of water-saving technologies in the cultivation of agricultural products is established, in accordance with which:

- up to 50 percent of collateral for loans from commercial banks, but in an amount not exceeding 2.5 billion soums, is provided on the basis of a guarantee from the State Fund for Entrepreneurship Support;

- to cover the part of the interest rate exceeding the main rate, but not exceeding 30 percent of the main rate on loans provided by commercial banks in the national currency, the interest rate of which does not exceed 1.5 times the main rate of the Central Bank, compensation is provided at the expense of the State Fund business support.

Until 1 March 2024, a pilot project will be implemented in Kasba district of Kashkadarya region to digitalize the management of all water intake points and deliver water to users.

An information system "Suv hisobi" will be created, which will provide an opportunity to fill in electronic form at the end of each month and confirm the executed acts between water supply organizations and water consumers with an electronic digital signature.

  A procedure is being established in accordance with which, from January 1, 2025, the following are being implemented:

IS "Suv hisobi" in all regions of the republic;

the practice of automatic formation of tax reporting by tax authorities on the basis of data provided through the IS "Suv hisobi" - when calculating taxes for the use of water resources for irrigating agricultural land.

Until August 2023, the remaining 50 percent of the subsidy funds, determined depending on the use of the systems, will be allocated to agricultural producers who have introduced water-saving technologies and received 50 percent of the subsidy in 2022, based on the conclusion of the working groups of the districts.

Until 1 May 2023, a proposal will be made to increase liability for the inefficient use of water resources and the illegal operation of hydraulic structures of water facilities.