The issue of water resources in Central Asia is becoming increasingly relevant. A number of experts, especially on social media, are making alarming predictions about a possible acute shortage of fresh water in the region by 2050. These estimates are based on climate change, population growth, and the dominance of the agricultural sector in water consumption.
It should be noted that over 90% of all water used in Central Asia is consumed by agriculture. In Uzbekistan, this figure is about 92%, with a significant portion of water resources going to irrigate rice and cotton. For comparison, in developed countries, agriculture accounts for 30 to 40% of available water. Meanwhile, less than 8% of water in the region is used for domestic and drinking water supply. This means that the water shortage for the population is not critical – the main challenge is to optimize water use in the agricultural sector.
Uzbekistan is taking steps to overcome this imbalance. Recognizing the scale of water risks, the country has begun implementing a set of water policy reforms in recent years. Among the priorities are the modernization of irrigation infrastructure, the introduction of water-saving technologies, the expansion of drip and sprinkler irrigation methods, and the digitization of water use accounting processes. The state is investing in hydraulic structures and improving water resource management models, with a focus on international cooperation, especially in transboundary river basins.
One of the key areas is the diversification of agriculture and the transition to crops with lower water requirements. In this context, an important step was the decision taken in 2025 to review approaches to rice cultivation, one of the most water-intensive crops. As an alternative, farmers are being offered a transition to crops that are more resistant to climate change and less dependent on intensive irrigation.
At the same time, resource-saving technologies will be introduced in rice cultivation and new varieties adapted to extreme temperatures and droughts will be used. From 2026, a pilot project on rice cultivation using drip irrigation will be expanded. Currently, rice is mainly grown on flooded fields. It is important that international experts, including specialists from the KOPIA center (South Korea), will be actively involved in this process.
Thus, Uzbekistan is demonstrating a strategic approach to water management issues and a readiness to take practical action in the face of growing water shortages. A set of preventive measures aimed at rationalizing water use and revising agricultural policy can serve as a benchmark for other countries in the region and contribute to the formation of sustainable water security in Central Asia.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
