Central Asia is grappling with the looming threat of chronic water shortages, warns a study conducted by the Eurasian Development Bank titled "Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia."
The report highlights the recent water scarcity faced by the region, particularly impacting its agriculture sector, which heavily relies on irrigated farming. With irrigation consuming up to 80% of water and exhibiting low efficiency, urgent measures are needed to address the aging irrigation infrastructure, salinization of lands, and significant water loss in canals.
Current Challenges
The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Central Asia's economy, faces critical challenges exacerbated by outdated irrigation systems. Over 50% of irrigated lands are affected by salinization, and more than 40% of water is lost in irrigation canals. The study emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to ensure sustainable water use and support the region's development.
Ten Practical Steps for Water Conservation
“This package of measures, the implementation of which will require the interaction of states, farmers and multilateral development institutions, will allow us to annually save enough water to ensure sustainable development,” EDB experts mention.
The Eurasian Development Bank proposes ten practical steps, both at the regional and national policy levels, to preserve irrigated lands and address water scarcity:
Regional Cooperation: Establish an International Water Energy Consortium for Central Asia to foster collaboration among countries in managing water resources efficiently.
Financial Resource Pooling: Combine the financial resources of multilateral development banks for the construction of water infrastructure projects.
Regional Center for Irrigation Equipment Production: Create a regional center to produce irrigation equipment, enhancing accessibility and affordability.
Water Management Tailoring in Afghanistan: Tailor water management strategies to suit Afghanistan's specific needs, recognizing it as a vital participant in the regional context.
Expansion of Financing Resources: Introduce mechanisms like public-private partnerships to attract additional resources for water infrastructure projects.
Water Accounting: Organize water accounting through the active involvement of the Water Resources Association to ensure efficient use and distribution.
Effective Tariffs: Gradually implement effective tariffs for irrigation water to encourage responsible usage.
Innovative Technology Implementation: Restore and modernize intra-economic irrigation infrastructure, incorporating digital technologies for precise water accounting, distribution, and land quality monitoring.
Utilization of Modern Technologies: Embrace modern technologies, such as water-retaining films for land irrigation, to enhance agricultural practices.
Mechanisms for Implementation: Implement governance mechanisms to facilitate effective collaboration between states, farmers, and multilateral development institutions.:
The urgency of implementing these measures is underscored by the reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya River, a vital water source for the region.
Earlier Daryo reported that Uzbekistan grapples with the stark impacts of climate change, manifested in the ecological crisis of the receding Aral Sea and rising instances of droughts, intense heat, unpredictable rainfall, and dust storms. The substantial costs of health-related harm due to pollution are concerning, amounting to 6.5% of the GDP. The imminent climate challenges are interconnected with issues of water security, food security, and land degradation, posing a significant threat to the nation's sustainable development.
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