Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia

Reports and Working Papers 23/4. Almaty: Eurasian Development Bank, 2023

110 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2023

See all articles by Evgeny Vinokurov

Evgeny Vinokurov

Eurasian Development Bank

Arman Ahunbaev

Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)

Stanislav Chuyev

Eurasian Development Bank

Asset Adakhayev

Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)

Tulegen Sarsembekov

Independent

Date Written: November 16, 2023

Abstract

Irrigated lands in Central Asia contribute to 80% of crop production and play a pivotal role in ensuring food security in the region. In the face of significant water stress, Central Asia has nearly reached its limit for extensive expansion of irrigated agriculture. 80% of water resources are allocated to irrigation purposes. However, the efficiency of irrigated land and water use in the region remains critically low. 40% of water is lost due to filtration from irrigation canals, and over 50% of irrigated lands are afflicted by salinisation. To address these challenges, it is imperative to modernise irrigation infrastructure and attract investments for this purpose, including through Public-Private Partnerships. The implementation of effective tariffs for irrigation water, the widespread adoption of water-saving technologies, and the empowerment of water user associations in rationalising water and land resources are all essential steps. The transition to efficient water-saving methods will bolster the productivity of irrigated lands and the responsible use of irrigation water, thereby safeguarding water, food, and environmental security in the region. These measures are of utmost importance, especially in light of the anticipated reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya River.

Keywords: Central Asia, water resources, food and water security, agriculture, irrigation, irrigated lands, water conservation

JEL Classification: F15, L66, N55, O13, Q15, Q25

Suggested Citation

Vinokurov, Evgeny and Ahunbaev, Arman and Chuyev, Stanislav and Adakhayev, Asset and Sarsembekov, Tulegen, Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia (November 16, 2023). Reports and Working Papers 23/4. Almaty: Eurasian Development Bank, 2023, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4634995

Evgeny Vinokurov (Contact Author)

Eurasian Development Bank ( email )

1st Zachatyevskiy Lane 3b1
Moscow, 191123
Russia

HOME PAGE: http://www.vinokurov.info

Arman Ahunbaev

Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) ( email )

1 Zachatievskiy pereulok
house 3, block 1
Moscow, 119034
Russia

Stanislav Chuyev

Eurasian Development Bank ( email )

Asset Adakhayev

Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) ( email )

1 Zachatievskiy pereulok house 3, block 1
Moscow, 119034
Russia

Tulegen Sarsembekov

Independent ( email )

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