Irrigation - The Times Of Central Asia

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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 Additionally, 80% of pumping stations are considered outdated, and water losses due to technical inefficiencies reach 45%.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.

Climate Change Irrigation Artificial glaciers

Artificial Glacier Technology to Support Kyrgyz Farmers Amid Climate Change

Artificial glacier technology is emerging as a promising solution to help Kyrgyz farmers adapt to the growing challenges of climate change. By enhancing irrigation efficiency and ensuring a more reliable water supply, these innovations aim to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities dependent on agriculture. The technology was the focus of a roundtable discussion held on June 17 in Bishkek, titled “Technical Solutions for Improving Water Availability in Irrigation Systems for Mountain Communities in Kyrgyzstan Under Climate Change.” At the event, Oleg Guchgeldiyev, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Kyrgyzstan, presented a new FAO initiative to develop and expand artificial glacier infrastructure in the country. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. With natural glaciers rapidly retreating due to global warming, water scarcity during the summer months has become a critical concern for Kyrgyz farmers. Artificial glaciers, engineered ice structures formed in winter and melted during warmer periods, offer a low-cost, scalable method of ensuring water availability during the growing season. “Artificial glaciers are not just a technological solution,” Guchgeldiyev said. “These innovations serve as a pillar of resilience for rural communities in a changing climate. Such projects strengthen food security and promote long-term agricultural development.” How the Technology Works The FAO’s “Glacier - Reservoir - Farmer” system combines artificial glaciers with small water reservoirs and modern irrigation methods such as drip systems. Water is collected from mountain springs and funneled through a pipeline to a vertical outlet pipe, 10 to 15 meters high. The elevation difference generates pressure that sprays water into the air. In winter, this spray freezes, gradually forming an ice cone. In summer, the stored ice melts and is directed to nearby reservoirs, from which it is distributed to fields for irrigation and livestock use. “Location is critical for glacier construction,” noted Matraim Jusupov, an FAO expert in agriculture and water management. “On average, one artificial glacier can supply water for 300 to 500 hectares of land.” The integration of reservoirs and pipeline systems minimizes water loss and enhances distribution efficiency, improving crop yields and rural livelihoods. Early Implementation and Expansion Kyrgyzstan already has over 30 artificial glaciers, with early projects implemented in the Uzgen, Kochkor, and Aksy districts. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, In autumn 2024, seven more artificial glaciers were constructed in villages across the Batken region as part of the FAO’s broader climate adaptation strategy. These initiatives are part of Kyrgyzstan’s growing efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and build resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change on its agriculture-dependent economy.

sovereign loan European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Water Irrigation EBRD

EBRD Provides $250 Million Loan to Upgrade Uzbekistan’s Irrigation Pumps

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a sovereign loan of up to $250 million (€240 million) to support the modernization of 110 irrigation pumping stations across Uzbekistan. The funding, allocated to the Ministry of Water Resources, will enable the installation of modern, energy-efficient pumps in 10 regions. According to the EBRD, the project is expected to reduce electricity consumption by approximately 251,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually and cut CO₂-equivalent emissions by more than 117,000 tons per year. The financing will also cover refurbishment of related infrastructure and the installation of rooftop solar panels at select stations. This initiative is a core part of Uzbekistan’s national irrigation modernization program, which aims to reduce electricity consumption across the irrigation system by 25%. The program also includes the deployment of water-saving technologies that will reach nearly half of the country’s irrigated farmland. Currently, Uzbekistan operates over 1,600 irrigation pumping stations, an energy-intensive network crucial for the country’s agricultural sector. Recognizing the need for improved efficiency, the water management sector has declared 2025 the "Year of Enhancing Pumping Station Efficiency." In recent years, the country has invested $1 billion in upgrading major stations such as Karshi, Amu-Bukhara, and Amu-Zang. However, the degradation of smaller and mid-sized stations has continued to drive up irrigation water costs. Efforts to conserve water are also underway. By concreting 550 kilometers of canals and ditches, water supply to 200,000 hectares of farmland has been stabilized, saving an estimated 450 million cubic meters of water annually. In 2025, Uzbekistan plans to concrete an additional 18,000 kilometers of main canals nationwide.

Northern Aral Sea Rescue Project Water resources Aral Sea World Bank Water Irrigation

Kazakhstan and World Bank Launch Second Phase to Revive Northern Aral Sea

In partnership with the World Bank, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan has launched the second phase of a long-term initiative to restore the Northern Aral Sea. This stage aims to revive the region’s ecosystem and enhance the quality of life for local communities. Feasibility Study Underway Key objectives of this phase include reconstructing the Kokaral Dam and raising the sea level to 44 meters, measured using the Baltic height system. Plans also call for constructing a water control facility near the village of Amanotkel, designed to regulate water distribution within the Akshatau and Kamystybas lake systems in Kyzylorda Region’s Aral District. A technical feasibility study is expected to be completed by December 2025. Once implemented, these measures are projected to expand the Northern Aral Sea’s surface area to 3,913 square kilometers, increasing its total water volume to 34 cubic kilometers. The full refill process is anticipated to take four to five years, based on hydrological data from the Syr Darya River basin covering the period 1913-2019. Strategic Decisions on Dam Reconstruction The current conservation strategy was finalized following consultations with local authorities and water management experts. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov stated that the plan reflects the region’s actual hydrological conditions and was selected for its balance of timeliness and efficacy. “We evaluated multiple implementation options. Discussions with residents and industry veterans helped guide our decision. The final plan was deemed optimal after all relevant factors were considered,” Nurzhigitov said. Sameh Wahba, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, underscored the project’s ecological and economic significance. He confirmed that the World Bank not only funded the feasibility study but remains committed to supporting the project through its next stages. According to Wahba, the initiative is expected to create jobs and stimulate sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. Progress Achieved in the First Phase The first phase of the rescue effort has already delivered tangible benefits. Water volume in the Northern Aral Sea has risen by 42%, reaching 27 billion cubic meters, while salinity has dropped nearly fourfold. Annual fish yields have climbed to 8,000 tons. In 2024 alone, a record 2.6 billion cubic meters of water were channeled into the sea, with 1 billion cubic meters allocated for irrigation. Beyond water volume and quality, the project aims to revitalize the Syr Darya River delta, curb salt deposition, and bolster the fishing industry. Employment opportunities and improved living conditions for local populations are also key targets. Long-Term Threats to Water Security The sustainability of these efforts may be challenged by regional developments. During the international conference “Water Security and Transboundary Water Use: Challenges and Solutions” in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Aslan Abdraimov, warned of the potential impact of Afghanistan’s Kosh-Tepa Canal on Central Asian water systems. Despite the absence of a direct border between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, Abdraimov stated that the canal could eventually reduce the flow of the Syr Darya River. “No sharp fluctuations...

Water Sector Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Agreement Water resources UNDP Water Irrigation Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Advances Water Sector Reform at High-Level Coordination Meeting

On April 10, the Coordination Council of Partners for the Development of the Water Sector of Kazakhstan held its second official meeting in Astana, co-chaired by Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and Katarzyna Wawiernia, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Kazakhstan. The Council, which first convened on September 30, 2024, comprises the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the UNDP, and more than 30 international partners, including financial institutions and global development organizations. At the meeting, participants reviewed the Council’s work over the past six months and discussed strategic priorities for sustainable water management. A key topic was the 2024-2030 Partnership Water Initiative, adopted in September 2024, which outlines long-term goals for resilience and innovation in the sector. Nurzhigitov discussed the Council’s role in forging productive cross-sector partnerships. “In just six months, we’ve reached concrete agreements and launched new projects with partner countries, development institutions, financial organizations, and major companies. The Ministry has signed three agreements and sixteen memorandums with international partners from the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, the USA, Israel, China, the Islamic Development Bank, the Eurasian Development Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and UNDP,” he said. New Agreements Signed at the Meeting Five new cooperation agreements were concluded during the session: The Ministry signed a communiqué with Spain’s Xcalibur Smart Mapping to carry out underground water resource mapping in western Kazakhstan A Statement of Intent was signed with the Islamic Development Bank and UNDP to bolster the technical capacity of Kazakhstan’s water sector, with a focus on digitalization, flood forecasting, climate resilience, and policy development An agreement between the Ministry’s Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources and the Eurasian Development Bank established a grant to develop a National Water Resources Information System by 2026. The project aims to increase transparency, efficiency, and equity in water distribution Kazvodkhoz, the Ministry’s national enterprise, signed a communiqué with PowerChina International to expand cooperation, including training seminars in China for Kazakhstani specialists (the first group of 30 participants is already attending a two-week program) Kazvodkhoz also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Primus Capital Almaty LLP, aimed at developing small hydropower plants at national water facilities A Long-Term Challenge Kazakhstan has long faced serious water-related challenges from the shrinking Aral Sea, driven by reduced transboundary river flows, to destructive spring floods and chronic irrigation shortages in the southern regions. These challenges highlight the urgency of coordinated, international engagement and innovation in water governance.

Irrigation Water Syr Darya River Access

Kazakhstan to Receive 3.7 Billion Cubic Meters of Syr Darya Water in 2025

In the 2025 irrigation season, Kazakhstan is set to receive approximately 3.7 billion cubic meters of water via the Syr Darya River. The agreement was finalized during negotiations involving officials from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The deal was reached at the 89th meeting of the Interstate Water Commission of Central Asia, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As part of the agreement, Kazakhstan will receive 909 million cubic meters of water through the interstate Dostyk Canal during the irrigation period. Additionally, 975 million cubic meters are slated for transfer to the Northern Aral Sea. “We began negotiations last year, we must prepare for the water season in advance, particularly in the southern regions where every drop counts. All water from the Syr Darya will be collected in the Shardara Reservoir and directed toward agricultural needs. At present, we are channeling floodwaters into lakes and rivers and storing them in reservoirs,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. A day earlier, Nurzhigitov also addressed a climate forum in Samarkand. He noted that Uzbekistan had supplied 12.6 billion cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan from October of last year through April 1, exceeding the planned amount by 1.7 billion cubic meters. Earlier reporting by The Times of Central Asia highlighted that eight regions in Kazakhstan face a heightened risk of spring flooding.