Uzbekistan Expands Cooperation With Austria’s Bauer in Irrigation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has expanded cooperation with Austrian company Bauer, focusing on the introduction of water-saving technologies in the agricultural sector, according to an official report.

A video dialogue was held between Deputy Minister of Agriculture K. Yuldashev and Bauer Director A. Schitter, dedicated to the implementation of water-efficient irrigation solutions in Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector and the preliminary results of the ongoing project.

The parties discussed the progress of the first stage of the project and reviewed its implementation outcomes.

It was noted that Bauer has supplied 86 units of water-saving equipment to Uzbekistan. Long-term leasing agreements on preferential terms have been signed with 24 project initiators across the regions. As a result, 54 irrigation systems have been installed and commissioned across 2,600 hectares of land.

It was also reported that, within the framework of leasing agreements with Agro-star holding company, organisations in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Jizzakh and Kashkadarya regions, as well as the Research Institute of Rainfed Agriculture and other participants, work is underway on the design and construction of infrastructure for the installation of an additional 30 irrigation systems by the end of the current year.

The management of Bauer positively assessed the implementation of the project and noted its effectiveness.

During the talks, the parties also discussed the prospects of a second project phase worth 15 million euros, financed by UniCredit Bank Austria AG, as well as issues related to equipment supply and technical maintenance.