Mirziyoyev Reviews Agrivoltaic Farming Project in Ferghana Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During his visit to the Ferghana region, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a pilot agricultural complex in Kuva district where agrivoltaic technologies have been implemented.

Agrivoltaics refers to the joint use of land for both solar energy generation and agricultural production. This approach is gaining attention in Uzbekistan due to increasing energy demand in agriculture and water management, as well as the country’s high solar radiation potential.

According to the information provided in the report, Uzbekistan’s potential for agrivoltaic development is estimated at up to 10 gigawatts. Solar panels installed above crops create partial shading, which helps reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture. At the same time, vegetation helps regulate surface temperature, improving the efficiency of solar modules.

The project also uses advanced water-saving irrigation systems, including sprinkler irrigation technology developed by the Austrian company Bauer. This system ensures more efficient water distribution, controlled soil moisture, precise fertilizer application, and increased agricultural yields.

Pilot applications of this technology in Uzbekistan reportedly showed reductions of water use by 40%, fertilizer use by 35%, and manual labor by 90%, while increasing yields by 25%.

The agrivoltaic complex in Ferghana covers 110 hectares and integrates crop production, livestock farming, and fish farming. It is among the first projects in the country to combine renewable energy generation with resource-efficient agriculture.

Around 10,000 solar panels have been installed at the site. They generate electricity while also creating favorable microclimatic conditions for agricultural crops. Part of the generated energy is used to oxygenate fish ponds.

Water from these ponds, enriched with minerals, is later reused for irrigation of vineyards and orchards.

The livestock system is also integrated into a closed-loop model: cattle are kept in shaded areas under solar panels, fed with locally grown grass, and organic waste is returned to the soil as fertilizer. This forms a circular system linking energy, water, feed, and soil nutrients.

The model aims to improve land-use efficiency, reduce production costs, and increase competitiveness, while also supporting rural employment and income growth.

The project currently supports more than 100 families, has created around 350 jobs, and generated export revenues of about US$2.5 million.

The experience from Ferghana is planned to be expanded to 2,000 hectares across 13 regions of Uzbekistan.

During the visit, the President also reviewed the use of agricultural drones for monitoring and managing farmland.