Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In the face of growing water scarcity and the need to ensure food security, the rational and efficient use of water is becoming one of the key challenges for any state. The rational use of water is also becoming a vital condition for ecosystem preservation. In this context, improving the implementation of water-saving technologies is of paramount importance. A decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Additional Measures to Increase the Efficiency of Water Resources Use" (PD-47 dated 05.02.2026) has been issued, which outlines a set of measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of water resource use. These measures are based on incentivizing the adoption of water-saving technologies and economic reforms in this sphere.

The main objective of the resolution is to achieve impressive results in water conservation by 2026-2028. The plan aims to implement modern technologies across 3.5 million hectares of land. This includes: drip irrigation on 220,000 hectares, which delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing losses from evaporation and surface runoff; sprinkler irrigation on 110,000 hectares and laser land leveling on 600,000 hectares, ensuring efficient and uniform water distribution during irrigation. These measures are designed to save 5 billion cubic meters of water resources annually. This is a colossal volume that can be redirected to other needs, reduce the strain on water sources, and enhance agriculture's resilience to drought.

To achieve the set goals, the decree provides for substantial financial support, such as credit facilities and government subsidies. In 2026, commercial banks plan to allocate 2.6 trillion UZS in loans for the implementation of water-saving technologies. This will enable farmers and agricultural enterprises to access the necessary funds to modernize the irrigation systems. State subsidies amounting to 800 billion UZS will be directed as government support, emphasizing the priority of this initiative for the country. Differentiated tax rates are envisaged, i.e., starting from 2027 the tax rates for water resource usage will be determined based on the water supply status of irrigated lands. For the effective implementation of a differentiated approach to state support and taxation, accurate and up-to-date information on the water supply status is crucial. In this regard, the Ministry of Water Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and regional khokimiyats will annually develop and submit for approval to the district Councils of People's Deputies a list of agricultural producers located in areas with stable water supply and those without it. This list will be compiled based on a thorough analysis of water availability during the vegetation period. This approach will ensure transparency in determining the water availability status of each agricultural producer, which, in turn, will guarantee the fair application of state support and taxation measures. Regular analysis of water availability will allow for prompt responses to changes in climatic conditions and adjustments to water use policies.

To enhance water consumption monitoring, starting from 2027, a mandatory requirement for businesses to install "smart" water metering and accounting devices will be implemented. This measure is crucial for ensuring transparency, control, and effective management of water resources. All "smart" water metering and accounting devices will be integrated into the "Water Accounting" information system of the Ministry of Water Management, which will enable the creation of a unified centralized system.

The proposed measures are aimed at stimulating and regulating water usage, designed to create a comprehensive mechanism that promotes the widespread adoption of innovative approaches in the water, agricultural, and other economic sectors, including the preservation of natural ecosystems.