Wedoany.com Report on Mar 11th, The water crisis in Central Asia continues to intensify. On March 5, 2026, Uzbekistan finalized a special allocation of 600 billion Uzbek soum (approximately $49 million), focusing on canal modernization and efficient water resource utilization to address agricultural irrigation pressure and water shortage risks. This move serves both as a short-term emergency measure and a crucial step in implementing long-term strategy.
Fund Allocation and Project Details
According to a presidential decree, the entire funding comes from new regional budget revenues in the first quarter of 2026 and will be allocated in two main categories: 480 billion Uzbek soum (approximately $39.5 million) for concrete canal and irrigation network construction, and 120 billion Uzbek soum (approximately $9.8 million) for other water-saving and water management measures.
The core project involves rebuilding and reinforcing 389 kilometers of irrigation canals with high leakage rates. It is expected to save 206 million cubic meters of water and 26 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, while improving water supply stability for 158,400 hectares of irrigated farmland.
The government has instructed the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to submit a prioritized project list within one week. After approval by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Water Resources will collaborate with the Republic of Karakalpakstan and provincial governments to advance the projects. The work will follow the "one canal, one system" principle, prioritizing the renovation of channels where modernization has already begun.
Water Security Becomes a Core Issue in Central Asia
Uzbekistan has a per capita water resource of only 702 cubic meters, classifying it as a typical water-scarce country. Agricultural water use accounts for over 90% of consumption. High leakage rates in aging canals, combined with accelerated glacier melt in Central Asia and fluctuating flows of transboundary rivers, have made water scarcity a core constraint on agricultural production and economic development.
The country previously launched a 2025–2028 water resource management plan, aiming to rebuild 2,551 kilometers of irrigation networks. In the long term, the government has also set a target for 2030 to provide reliable drinking water services to 85% of the population. This special allocation serves as a crucial link between short-term efforts and the long-term strategy.
Government-Business Collaboration Accelerates Transformation
This project is government-led, establishing clear cross-departmental and cross-regional collaboration mechanisms, and driving the digitalization and standardization upgrade of irrigation infrastructure.
For local engineering companies, areas such as concrete canal construction and water-saving equipment installation will see an increase in orders. Simultaneously, the project's implementation will accelerate the adoption of water-saving technologies, facilitating the transition of agriculture from traditional flood irrigation to efficient irrigation. This will help Uzbekistan strengthen its water security and provide a practical model for water resource management in Central Asia.
