Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Floods

Flash Floods Severely Damage Irrigation Infrastructure and Crops in Tajikistan

Heavy rains and ensuing flash floods have inflicted significant damage on agriculture and infrastructure near the city of Penjikent in northwestern Tajikistan. The rural community of Kosatarosh was particularly hard-hit, with key irrigation canals damaged and dozens of hectares of farmland inundated. Key Canals and Farmland Affected According to the emergency response headquarters under the Penjikent city administration, flooding and mudslides disrupted the flow of two major irrigation canals, Khalifa Hassan and Farmetan. Around 20 meters of the bank of the Khalifa Hassan Canal was washed away, with sediment and debris accumulating in the channel. The Farmetan Canal was partially blocked, endangering the water supply for local farms. The disruption poses a serious threat to agricultural output, as the Khalifa Hassan Canal supplies water to over 3,500 hectares of cropland and orchards. Local authorities estimate that at least 80 hectares of rice, potatoes, corn, and other crops, cultivated by both collective farms and private households, were affected. On the morning of June 16, Penjikent Mayor Abduholik Kholikzoda visited the affected area and held an emergency meeting with representatives of the Committee for Emergency Situations and other relevant agencies. Authorities agreed to initiate a rapid damage assessment and commence restoration work. The State Administration for Land Reclamation and Irrigation of the Zarafshon River Basin has been tasked with clearing debris from the canals and repairing damaged sections. Specialists from the Zarafshon joint venture have already deployed equipment and begun initial repair operations. Authorities Had Issued Warnings The Tajikistan Hydrometeorological Agency had issued a warning on June 12-13 about the heightened risk of mudslides in mountainous and foothill regions, including areas in Sughd region, such as Ayni, Penjikent, and Iskanderkul, as well as regions under direct republican jurisdiction and parts of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. “Precipitation expected in mountainous and foothill areas could lead to mudslides,” the agency warned. The Emergency Committee advised residents to avoid rivers and reservoirs, suspend fishing and hunting, and temporarily cease grazing livestock in vulnerable mountainous areas. Volatile Summer Weather Increases Risk Forecasters predict that June 2025 will be unusually hot across Tajikistan, with temperatures expected to exceed seasonal averages by more than two degrees. The southern and lowland regions are expected to experience particularly high temperatures. Despite the heat, meteorologists warn of possible short-term rainfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, and squalls. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone mountainous areas, where weather volatility continues to pose a risk. The situation in Penjikent underscores the increasing vulnerability of such regions to climate-induced disasters.

Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan Urges Regional Unity to Combat Major Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan has called for stronger regional cooperation among Central Asian countries in response to a large-scale locust infestation threatening vast areas of farmland. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, surveys across 114,000 hectares of agricultural land revealed locust presence on nearly two-thirds of the area. More than 74,000 hectares have already been treated with pesticides. “Locusts are herbivorous insects capable of forming large migratory swarms under favorable population and climate conditions. These swarms can devastate entire crop fields within days,” the ministry warned. The infestation is particularly severe in southern Kyrgyzstan, where early harvest cycles and warmer weather provide ideal breeding conditions. Mobile task forces and trained specialists are actively monitoring and treating affected areas. Operations are expected to continue through August, coinciding with the end of the locusts’ life cycle. To coordinate a broader response, Kyrgyz authorities have reached agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The trilateral effort aims to: Implement international phytosanitary standards Enhance data sharing on locust distribution and life cycles Coordinate pesticide application in cross-border agricultural zones Uzbekistan has introduced a new electronic tracking platform that records egg-laying sites and treatment zones. This system improves monitoring of locust movements and helps mitigate the risk of transboundary migration. The initiative underscores growing regional concerns over food security, as shifting climate patterns increase the frequency and severity of locust outbreaks across Central Asia. In Bishkek, concerned residents have recently reported a rise in sightings of large insects resembling locusts. However, agricultural experts have clarified that these are bush crickets (Tettigoniidae), which are harmless to crops and humans. “These solitary insects have long antennae and, particularly in younger specimens, underdeveloped wings. Unlike true locusts, they do not form destructive swarms,” the ministry stated. The Kyrgyz government continues to treat infested areas and has urged farmers and local communities to promptly report new sightings. Officials emphasized that coordinated regional action is essential to contain the outbreak and safeguard agricultural productivity. As summer advances, Central Asia is expected to face further agricultural and ecological challenges, underscoring the need for real-time data sharing and cross-border pest management strategies.

Agriculture

Tajikistan Pursues Cotton Reform with EU Backing

The European Union’s support for green transitions presents a real opportunity for Tajikistan to achieve sustainable agricultural development, particularly in the cotton industry, according to Mizrob Amirbekov, an agricultural development expert. Amirbekov highlighted this potential, underscoring the importance of international assistance in modernizing the sector, addressing environmental and social challenges, and establishing a fair and transparent production system. Rising Demand, Persistent Problems As global demand for environmentally friendly textiles grows, Tajikistan has a unique chance to establish a sustainable model for cotton production, Amirbekov explained. Increased interest in natural fabrics, driven by both demographic growth and technological advancements, is pushing the industry toward transformation. However, this economic potential is clouded by persistent challenges, including environmental stress, social risks such as forced labor, and a lack of transparency across the supply chain. The global cotton sector has long faced scrutiny over high water consumption, widespread pesticide use, and unethical labor practices. In response, consumers and international regulators are increasingly pressing for a shift to more sustainable production methods. EU Investment and National Reform Tajikistan has begun responding to these challenges. In 2024, it approved the National Strategy for the Development of the Cotton and Textile Industry through 2040, prioritizing modernization, cost reduction, and the expansion of high-value-added production chains. The European Union is playing a central role in this transformation, having allocated a €19.88 million grant to support the sector’s green transition. The funds aim to advance digital technologies, assist small and medium-sized enterprises, and help the industry adapt to climate change impacts, from droughts to rising temperatures. “This is not merely financial aid, it’s an opportunity to build a truly sustainable cotton production system,” said Amirbekov. “Farmers and buyers need to understand the principles of sustainability and how agriculture can become a driver of the green economy.” Ongoing Social and Environmental Challenges Despite signs of progress, Amirbekov noted that significant problems persist. Farmers report that forced labor continues in some areas, with schoolchildren and unrelated government employees involved in cotton harvesting, practices that violate Tajikistan’s international commitments and damage the credibility of its organic cotton sector. Environmental impacts are equally severe. Producing a single T-shirt can consume up to 2,700 liters of water, and nearly a kilogram of pesticides may be used per hectare. Amirbekov stressed the need to adopt certified standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), to promote sustainable cotton varieties, and to implement precision farming. “Climate change is already reducing yields, droughts, floods, and temperature fluctuations are becoming more common,” he warned. To address this, he advocates for sustainable seed varieties, efficient irrigation, and participation in carbon reduction programs. Amirbekov also criticized the cotton supply chain as fragmented and poorly regulated, undermining trust from international buyers and complicating the enforcement of sustainability standards. He called for the introduction of digital platforms to track supply chains in real time. Social inequality is another concern: women and small-scale farmers often face limited access to markets and lack property rights. Incorporating fair trade practices, supporting cooperatives, and enforcing...

Climate Change

Experts Warn of Escalating Climate Risks for Central Asia

As global temperatures rise, Central Asia is emerging as one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change. This warning comes from three recent reports by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which predict intensified warming, more frequent droughts, and rapid glacier retreat in the region. Without urgent adaptation and coordinated policy responses, the region faces growing risks to its water resources, agriculture, and energy systems. Beyond the Climate Norm According to the WMO’s Climate Outlook for 2025-2029, Central Asia is projected to experience sustained warming and greater variability in precipitation. Every year in the 2025-2029 period is expected to be hotter than the 1991-2020 average. Particularly troubling is the growing likelihood that global temperatures may temporarily exceed +1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the near term. One contributing factor is the heightened intensity of the South Asian monsoon, which is 82% more likely to be stronger than normal. While this could increase rainfall, the unpredictability raises concerns, periods of heavy rain could be followed by prolonged droughts, severely impacting regional agriculture. Another alarming development is the rapid retreat of glaciers in the Pamirs, which feed the region’s primary waterways, including the Amu Darya and its major tributary, the Vakhsh. The loss of these glaciers threatens long-term water availability and necessitates a rethinking of regional water management strategies. The WMO forecasts that the 2025-2029 period could be the warmest on record, with global temperatures projected to rise by 1.2-1.9°C. Although the chance of exceeding +2°C during this period is currently low, about 1%, the probability is rising. Spring Floods, Summer Droughts A second WMO report, though focused on the Pacific region, reinforces global climate trends relevant to Central Asia. It confirms that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. For high-altitude countries like Tajikistan, the implications are already evident. Snow is melting earlier, shortening the runoff season. Water that once lasted through summer now disappears within weeks in the spring, heightening the risks of spring flooding followed by summer droughts. The region lacks sufficient reservoir infrastructure to capture and store water during periods of excess. The report also highlights the looming disappearance of Indonesia’s glaciers by 2026, a fate that may soon await Central Asia’s glaciers. The consequences are serious, particularly for countries like Tajikistan, where over 90% of electricity is generated by hydropower. Climate anomalies across the region are increasing, including dust storms, intense rainfall, extreme heat, and landslides. The WMO stresses the urgent need for adaptation measures such as modernized infrastructure and improved climate monitoring and water management systems. The Need for a Regional Strategy The third WMO report emphasizes Central Asia’s unique vulnerability to droughts, which often cross national borders. This underscores the need for a coordinated regional approach, especially in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. The report advocates for transboundary mechanisms for monitoring, data sharing, and joint response strategies. While Central Asia is part of the Global Network of Climate-Resilient River Basins, progress...

Waste Recycling

Chinese Firm Begins Construction of Waste-to-Energy Plant in Osh

On June 10, construction officially began on a new solid waste incineration facility in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city. The plant, part of a larger initiative to convert municipal waste into electricity and heat, marks a major step toward improving urban waste management and expanding sustainable energy generation. According to the Osh city administration, the plant’s initial phase will include a waste-processing facility capable of handling up to 850 tons of waste per day. It will generate 30 megawatts of electricity per hour, contributing significantly to the local energy grid. Future phases of the project include the production of thermal energy to supply heat to residential and commercial buildings in Osh during the winter months. In addition, a 300-megawatt solar power plant is planned as part of the overall initiative. Osh generates approximately 200,000 tons of waste annually, much of which is currently deposited in open landfills. These sites contribute to environmental pollution and pose health risks. The new facility will use environmentally friendly technologies to process and neutralize waste, offering a more sustainable solution. The project’s total investment is estimated at $95 million. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Hunan Junxin Huanbao is also developing a similar waste-to-energy project in Bishkek. The company is constructing a solid waste recycling facility at the capital’s sanitary landfill. Initially, the Bishkek plant will process 1,000 tons of waste per day, with plans to increase capacity to 3,000 tons. Completion is scheduled for December 2025. Solid waste management remains a critical issue in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in urban centers like Bishkek and Osh. The development of modern waste-processing plants represents a key advancement in addressing these challenges while also contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.

Climate Change

Central Asian Glaciers Shrinking Irreversibly, Expert Warns

Glaciers in Central Asia are melting at an alarming rate with no signs of recovery, according to Tohir Majitov, head of the Uzbek public organization "Suvchi," in an interview with Kazinform. Majitov highlighted the escalating pressure on water supplies due to population growth and agricultural expansion across the region. "In 1991, Central Asia had nearly 6 million hectares of irrigated land. By 2024, this figure has grown to over 10 million hectares. The population has also increased from around 45 million to more than 80 million. Water supply for this growing population is now a serious issue," he explained. He noted that Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan heavily depend on the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers, which originate in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. A critical challenge arises from the differing water needs: upstream countries store water during summer for hydropower generation in autumn and winter, while downstream nations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan require substantial water primarily during the summer growing season. Majitov issued a stark warning about the region's largest glacier, Tajikistan's Fedchenko Glacier, which has reportedly lost over 40% of its mass. "Between 1990 and 2005, the glacier shrank by 50 meters," he stated. "Its length is 77 kilometers, width 2.4 kilometers, and depth reaches one kilometer. Glaciers in Kyrgyzstan have also lost over 30% of their mass." To tackle these pressing water challenges, Majitov proposed the formation of a regional body. "We suggest creating an Aral Sea Committee to improve water management and ensure food security. It may take several years, but all Central Asian countries should take part," he urged. He believes that efficient water use could enable the region to expand irrigated land by 2-3 million hectares, potentially feeding up to 100 million people. Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported concerns from other experts on the region's water crisis. A fundamental conflict exists between upstream countries, like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which have water but need to release it in winter for electricity generation, and downstream countries, such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, that require that water in summer for agricultural purposes. What was once primarily a technical concern has now evolved into a complex regional problem, exacerbated by climate change. Nations are increasingly constructing dams, engaging in disputes over water allocation, and experiencing a decline in mutual trust. The future stability of Central Asia may hinge on its capacity to effectively manage this escalating water crisis.