President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the pressing issue of inefficient water management in agriculture, emphasizing that up to 50% of the water utilized in this sector is wasted. The president's spokesperson, Sherzod Asadov, confirmed the president's focus on this urgent matter.
Outdated irrigation systems and the absence of concrete pavement in canals were cited as major contributing factors to the problem. Despite substantial subsidies allocated in recent years for the implementation of water-saving technologies, a staggering 36% of the 39 billion cubic meters of water utilized by the agricultural sector in 2022 seeped into the soil through canals and leaks.
Approximately 70% of irrigated land continues to rely on outdated irrigation systems, leading to an additional 5-6 bn cubic meters of water being lost to reservoirs. This translates to a loss of nearly half the total water consumption volume.
President Mirziyoyev underscored the severity of the water crisis and expressed strong disapproval of the officials responsible for the situation. To address these challenges, several directives have been issued.
The president called for expedited efforts to concrete the canals, aiming to reduce water losses. He instructed the implementation of automatic metering systems in water facilities and the replacement of outdated pumps with modern, energy-efficient alternatives.
The gravity of the water crisis necessitates immediate action, and the president's directives serve as a call to rectify the inefficiencies and ensure sustainable water management practices in Uzbekistan.
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