Water levels in the Zarafshan River are declining

In Samarkand region, the volume of water from the Zarafshan River—the main water source for local agriculture—has been decreasing year by year. This was reported on November 25 during an extraordinary session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People’s Deputies, attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Urgut district.

Officials noted that due to the reduced river flow, the use of groundwater has doubled. As a result, it was emphasized that by next year, water-saving technologies should be implemented on at least 30,000 hectares.

Farmers in the region will now receive lower-interest credits for the introduction of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, with the rate reduced from 14 percent to 10 percent. Additionally, subsidies of up to 12 million soums per hectare will be provided for cotton fields.

A new system for the efficient use of water resources will be introduced in the region. All water tax revenues will be fully transferred to district water enterprises and used exclusively for concreting canals and irrigation channels. This initiative is expected to cover approximately 1,000 kilometers of earth canals and irrigation channels annually.

For context, Urgut district covers 112,000 hectares, including 12,000 hectares of irrigated land, 40,000 hectares of pastures, and 22,000 hectares of mountainous areas. Starting this year, 2,000 hectares previously used for grain and 3,500 hectares for tobacco will be converted to fruit and vegetable production. It was emphasized that an additional 5,500 hectares should be dedicated to high-yield export-oriented crops.

For example, planting white raisins on 3,000 hectares of former grain and tobacco land could generate an additional $80 million in exports for the district. In addition, a proposal was made to establish 500 hectares of industrial-scale vineyards in Urgut’s foothill and pasture areas, with plots of 10 hectares allocated to local residents. In Ishtikhon district, 2,000 hectares of similar vineyards will be established next year.

To supply water to these areas, 50 artesian wells will be drilled, and solar panels of 15–20 kilowatts installed, with funding of 30 billion soums provided for these low-cost resources.