Mirziyoyev orders canal concreting in Karakalpakstan to cut 38% irrigation water loss

September 19, 2026 at 04:40 PM2 min

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Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered concreting of two canals in Karakalpakstan by March 1 to reduce irrigation water losses, which currently reach 38% or 2.1 billion cubic meters annually. He allocated 135 billion soums for the work and set a target to expand irrigated land by 17,000 hectares next year.

Key Facts

Irrigation water losses in Karakalpakstan amount to 38%, or 2.1 billion cubic meters of the 5.7 billion cubic meters used annually for 417,000 hectares.
President Mirziyoyev allocated 135 billion soums for concreting two canals and ordered completion by March 1.
Concreting the 8-km Erkindarya canal section in Bozatau district will add 3,000 hectares of usable land and improve water supply for 15,000 hectares.
Uzbekistan attracted a $4.5 million grant from Japan for water infrastructure modernization and aims to raise such grants to $100 million next year.
Last year, 276 water pumps were replaced with energy-efficient models for 30 billion soums, saving 16 million kWh annually; 59 more pumps will be replaced in Karakalpakstan by April 1.

Water Losses

Karakalpakstan loses 38% of irrigation water, equivalent to 2.1 billion cubic meters out of 5.7 billion cubic meters used annually for 417,000 hectares of farmland. The Yonbosh canal in Turtkul district loses 44 million cubic meters of its 115 million cubic meters annual flow. Full concreting of the Yonbosh canal would provide water for an additional 9,000 hectares and create a fodder base for 15,000 cattle.

Infrastructure Orders

President Mirziyoyev ordered concreting of the 8-km Erkindarya canal section in Bozatau district and the Yonbosh canal, allocating 135 billion soums and setting a March 1 deadline. The Erkindarya project will increase usable land by 3,000 hectares and improve water supply for 15,000 hectares. Construction of three hydraulic structures and 22 artesian wells will create an additional 5,000 hectares of fodder land. In Turtkul and Bozatau districts, 17,000 hectares are to be sown with fodder crops next year, providing income for 2,000 people.

Funding and Efficiency

Uzbekistan received a $4.5 million grant from Japan for water infrastructure modernization and aims to increase such grants to $100 million next year. Last year, 276 water pumps were replaced with energy-efficient models at a cost of 30 billion soums, saving 16 million kWh annually. By April 1, 59 more pumps will be replaced in Karakalpakstan and 200 in other regions.