Tajikistan’s Irrigation Plans Require Major Upgrades
Tajikistan has the potential to become the irrigation center of Central Asia but only if it undergoes extensive modernization. This conclusion comes from a joint report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Industrial and Economic Potential The report highlights Tajikistan’s capacity to develop into a regional production and maintenance hub for irrigation equipment. Key advantages include affordable electricity, a readily available labor force, and a strategic geographic location. These factors position the country to play a central role in an emerging regional irrigation cluster. The southern provinces of Khatlon and Sughd are identified as particularly promising for industrial development. Proposed projects include manufacturing facilities for plastic pipes and components for drip and sprinkler systems, alongside service centers for pump repair. Investment requirements for such facilities range from $3-5 million, with a projected payback period of just 2-3 years. However, the report underscores the pressing need to overhaul the existing infrastructure. Approximately 77% of Tajikistan’s irrigation systems require reconstruction. Of the country’s 720,000 hectares of irrigated farmland, nearly 60% must be restored. Additionally, 80% of pumping stations are considered outdated, and water losses due to technical inefficiencies reach 45%. Without significant upgrades, the system will likely struggle to meet growing climatic and demographic pressures. To support the irrigation sector’s long-term viability, the report calls for the annual training of at least 3,000 specialists. Training one professional to international standards costs between $1,200 and $1,800. The authors stress the importance of state investment in vocational education and greater collaboration between educational institutions and industry. Tajikistan as a Regional Logistics Bridge Tajikistan also has the potential to serve as a strategic logistics hub. Its southern regions could facilitate transport between Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, cutting shipping costs and improving equipment access in remote areas. Realizing this vision will require a strong state role, including tax incentives, subsidies, and streamlined investment procedures. International donor participation is equally vital. Currently, nearly 90% of irrigation equipment used in the region is imported, adding up to 30% in logistics costs. While cluster-based industrial development has proven effective in other Central Asian countries, boosting enterprise productivity by 15-20% within two to three years, Tajikistan still trails behind. In contrast to Uzbekistan, which has over 90 cotton and textile clusters, much of Tajikistan’s agricultural output undergoes minimal processing. Regional Water Reform Needs $50 Billion The report concludes by emphasizing that water supply issues extend beyond Tajikistan. Across Central Asia, agriculture accounts for up to 80% of water usage. Losses from open canals reach 50%, and over 30% of irrigated land is affected by salinization. To address these challenges by 2040, the region will require $40-50 billion in investment for infrastructure upgrades, digitization, and a transition to closed irrigation systems. “Without urgent modernization of the irrigation system, the region risks facing serious water shortages, lower crop yields, and increased social instability,” the authors warn.
