Uzbekistan to become 33th country with water shortages globally

According to a study by the World Resources Institute, around 700 million people will become climate refugees in 2030 due to severe water shortages.  By 2040, more than 80 percent of the population in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, will begin to suffer directly from water shortages. This region is considered the most dangerous area in the world in terms of water scarcity.

According to data from the World Water Resources Institute, Uzbekistan is among the 25 countries prone to water stress. Representatives of the industry have noted that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 7 billion cubic meters of water throughout the republic. Consequently, the country will be among the 33 nations facing water shortages worldwide.

Introducing advanced methods in crop irrigation, such as drip irrigation, is advisable to prevent danger. Drip irrigation offers several advantages. The Ministry of Agriculture's press service provided information on drip irrigation technology.

This system delivers water directly to plant roots through special pipes in small amounts. It's used in many developed countries and known for its efficiency. With drip irrigation, water is evenly distributed to the plant roots, preventing excess moisture in the soil. It reduces water usage by 30-50% and suppresses weed growth. Labor needs decrease, productivity rises, and energy is saved, leading to increased income. Water and fertilizers are supplied based on plant needs, with fertilizers easily added to the water. Soil remains soft, eliminating the need for equipment. Drip irrigation saves fuel and reduces fertilizer costs by 30-50%. Crop fertilizer absorption exceeds 90%. It's economically beneficial for crops in hilly areas with light, erosion-prone soil and uneven surfaces.