To combat rising water scarcity and support local agriculture, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a solar-powered drip irrigation system in rural Uzbekistan. This innovative system, now operational in Akkurgan District, addresses critical water supply challenges in an area known for its limited resources.
The newly introduced system features a water pump that draws from a 180-meter deep vertical well, powered by solar panels. This setup irrigates 0.8 hectares of land, benefiting 10 local households. By employing this technology, the system achieves a significant water saving of up to 60% compared to traditional irrigation methods.
Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the EU to Uzbekistan, praised the project’s impact.
"This solar-powered drip irrigation system not only addresses water scarcity but also paves the way for more sustainable agriculture in Uzbekistan. Most importantly, it brings direct benefits to local families by increasing their access to electricity and water for irrigation, thus enhancing food security and incomes," Wim Riepma noted.
Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, highlighted the broader implications:
"Today’s launch of the solar-powered drip irrigation system is a milestone in improving the lives of people across Uzbekistan. It demonstrates how technological innovation can help achieve multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, zero hunger, water and energy security, and land protection."
The official launch ceremony saw participation from key figures, including Alisher Shukurov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture; Timur Butunbaev, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources; Tura Bobolov, Khokim of Akkurgan District; along with experts from the Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems and local community members.
Resident Maftuna Akhmedova shared that, thanks to drip irrigation, her garden thrives with greens, tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers even during hot, dry summers, enhancing her gardening experience.
The initiative was spearheaded by a local Innovation Group, which includes specialists from the Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems, the Scientific Research Institute of Vegetables, Melon Crops and Potato, the International Strategic Centre for Agri-Food Development (ISCAD) under the Ministry of Agriculture, the Center for Agricultural Services (AKIS), and the Koshtepa Assembly of Neighborhood Citizens.
This project is part of the "Supporting an Inclusive Transition to a Green Economy in the Agri-Food Sector and Development of a Climate-Smart Uzbek Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System" (EU-AGRIN) initiative. It is carried out by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and is financed by the European Union.
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