President of Uzbekistan Approves Measures to Improve Water Resource Efficiency

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree “On Additional Measures to Enhance the Efficiency of Water Resource Use,” formally establishing water conservation as a key priority of state policy.

The document addresses the pressing challenges of global climate change and outlines not only large-scale technological upgrades in the agricultural sector but also the introduction of strict digital monitoring of water usage.

The strategy is planned for the next three years and sets ambitious targets for the sector. By 2028, the total area of land covered by water-saving technologies is expected to reach 3.5 million hectares.

As part of the plan, 220,000 hectares will be equipped with drip irrigation systems, and another 110,000 hectares with sprinkler systems. These measures are expected to significantly improve the efficiency of irrigation networks and prevent water shortages in the regions.

The decree places particular emphasis on strengthening oversight. From 1 July 2026, the “Suvkhujaliknazorat” inspection agency will adopt new operational standards: all inspections of business entities will be recorded using personal body cameras worn by employees, ensuring transparency and minimizing corruption risks. In addition, the agency will be officially authorized to use drones for monitoring water usage and detecting illegal connections or leaks from the air.

To encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies, a package of incentives has been introduced. Commercial banks will offer concessional loans at an annual interest rate of 14 percent, part of the equipment installation costs will be subsidized from the state budget, and imported components and systems for water conservation will be exempt from customs duties (excluding VAT).