Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 November, under the chairmanship of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a video-selector meeting was held to discuss measures for the rational use of water resources and the reduction of their losses.

In our country, 20 percent of water resources are generated domestically, while the remaining portion is situated in neighboring states. Due to climate changes, water sources are diminishing each year. The situation remains challenging in managing transboundary rivers. According to forecasts, by 2030, water shortage in our country may reach 15 billion cubic meters.

However, even under these circumstances, water is being used irrationally. In our country, 90 percent of water resources are allocated to agriculture. For instance, irrigating 1 hectare of cotton fields consumes 10-11 thousand cubic meters of water annually, whereas in countries with similar climates and soil conditions, the water usage is 2-3 times less. Achieving this involves proper water management and preventing their loss.

Approximately US$1 billion are allocated annually to the water economy. This sector is the fourth-largest recipient of budgetary allocations after education, healthcare, and agriculture. However, due to incorrect calculations and the preservation of outdated approaches to water resource management, the expected effect is not achieved.

The meeting discussed problems, new initiatives, and tasks in this area. The head of state noted that the upcoming year will be a period of transition to an emergency mode for water conservation.

The primary task at hand is the concreting of canals and ditches. According to calculations, in irrigation systems with natural cover, an average of 14 billion cubic meters or 36 percent of water is lost annually without any economic benefit. The greatest losses occur in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Namangan, Navoi, Khorezm, and Bukhara regions. In the fields located at the end of the canals, covering 175 thousand hectares, the water supply situation is very difficult.

In total, due to water losses, the economy loses US$5 billion in revenue annually.

In connection with this, a "strike year for concreting canals" has been declared in water management. The task is to concrete 1,500 kilometers next year, which is four times more canals than in the current year. In 2025, it is planned to concrete at least 2,000 kilometers of canals.

It was emphasized that the most optimal time for this is from November to March. Therefore, it is necessary to start the construction of canals with ready-made projects now. Khokims (governors) of regions and districts were instructed to convert 3,500 kilometers of internal irrigation systems to concrete coatings within one year. It was noted that by providing special equipment and building materials to clusters and farmers interested in this, expenses could be halved.

The second important task is the introduction of water-saving technologies.

In our country, there are 4.3 million hectares of irrigated areas, of which 30 percent have introduced water-saving technologies. In such clusters and farms, water savings of 30-40 percent, fertilizers, and fuel of 25-30 percent are achieved, as well as an increase in yield.

However, in Kashkadarya region, where the cost of water is high, only 16 percent of the land is irrigated in this way. Not enough work is being done on laser land leveling, which is the simplest agrotechnical measure that allows saving water. In Kashkadarya, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions, such areas make up less than 10 percent.

One of the reasons is the poorly functioning mechanism for reimbursing part of the credit to farmers who have implemented water-saving technologies. Therefore, a new financing system was established at the meeting. A credit line for 5 years will be created for clusters and farms wishing to implement water-saving technologies, with a 2-year grace period and an interest rate of 14% per annum. An open electronic platform will be launched for the conclusion of contracts with both the bank and suppliers, operating in an online mode.

Specialists have been given instructions on financial and organizational aspects. The need to annually expand areas with water-saving technologies was emphasized, and the experience of Turkey, Spain, and China in this area should be studied.

In the next three years, the practice of subsidizing 15 percent of the cost of agricultural machinery and 30 percent of the cost of laser leveling will continue. Laser leveling will be carried out on all cultivated areas by 2026. After 2026, land and water taxes for areas without laser leveling will be significantly increased.

The third important task is to reduce water delivery costs.

Currently, the average cost of 1 cubic meter of water supplied to clusters and farmers is 212 soums. However, this is 2-3 times more expensive in Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Namangan.

At the same time, 63 percent of water expenses are related to pumping stations. In particular, 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity are consumed annually for irrigation.

Since 80 percent of water pumps are outdated, energy consumption is high.

The head of state noted that the most correct way to reduce costs and increase efficiency is to modernize pumps and transfer their management to private partnerships.

Several projects are already being implemented in this direction.

The task is set to accelerate this work, and with the participation of international financial organizations, it is necessary to upgrade 95 pumping stations and announce a tender for an additional 118 pumping stations at the beginning of next year.

However, foreign companies have proposed taking over the management of 268 pumps.

It is noted that thanks to these measures, it will be possible to reduce pump power consumption by 300 million kilowatt-hours next year and by 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours over the next three years.

The Ministry of Water Management, together with international financial organizations, has been instructed to develop a three-year program for pump modernization. Instructions have been given for the introduction of modern management in the field and water accounting.

Reports from the Minister of Water Management, khokims, and other leaders were heard at the meeting.