Uzbekistan targets 100% water-saving coverage on cultivated land

Uzbekistan aims to achieve 100% coverage of cultivated land with water-saving technologies

Uzbekistan intends to extend water-saving technologies to all cultivated land over the next five years as part of a national program centered on water conservation, environmental protection and the expansion of green areas.

These plans were reviewed at an event held by the Committees on Agrarian and Water Management and Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The gathering brought together members of the committees’ public councils, representatives of scientific and research institutions, and staff from analytical centers.

The discussion concentrated on the fourth of seven national programs presented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his address marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. That program calls for a shift in the country’s approach to water resources and environmental management.

Participants said climate change and population growth are raising demand for water resources while also creating greater needs for environmental protection and the expansion of green areas. The measures discussed included broader adoption of water-saving technologies, more effective management of land and water resources, scientific and technological methods, and steps to improve environmental practices.

Deputy Muqaddas Ahmedova said the fourth national program sets a countrywide goal of raising coverage of water-saving technologies on cultivated land to 100% within the next five years. It also calls for further development of the nationwide “Green Space” initiative. Green areas around schools, kindergartens, hospitals and apartment buildings are to receive additional protection.

Another objective is to raise the share of green areas in district and city centers to 30% in the coming years. According to participants, the fourth national program brings together several areas of environmental policy, including water resource conservation, wider use of resource-saving agricultural technologies, improved environmental conditions and the expansion of green spaces.

The program is one of seven initiatives outlined for Uzbekistan’s next stage of development. The others focus on education and skills, public health and longevity, the transition to a high-technology and higher-productivity economic model, judicial independence, the role of mahallas in social development and Uzbekistan’s international positioning.

At the meeting, lawmakers and experts also examined mechanisms for carrying out the water and environmental targets. Participants agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between parliamentary committees and their public councils and to involve specialists in solving sector-specific issues.

The committees and the Public Council plan to draft a joint work plan and continue improving the scientific, legal and practical mechanisms for implementing the goals of the fourth national program.