From 10 to 12 August 2026, a three-day regional training course entitled “Implementation of Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies and Digital Solutions in Central Asia’s Water Sector under Conditions of Climate Change” was held in Tashkent. Specialists in water management from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the training.
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The training was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan as part of the implementation of the National Water Resources Management Project in Uzbekistan and the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) project, and was held at the “School of Water Specialists.”
Water as a strategic resource for the region
Water is not only a source of life but also a strategic factor in food and energy security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
For the countries of Central Asia, the rational and equitable use of transboundary rivers is particularly important. Water diplomacy should therefore transform water from a potential source of conflict into an instrument of cooperation.
The rational use of water resources is already one of the areas of cooperation within the SCO. The Dushanbe and Samarkand Declarations of the organization identify access to safe water and integrated water resources management as important conditions for sustainable development.
Water in agriculture
In Central Asia, water issues cannot be separated from agriculture. Water demand increases sharply during the irrigation season, making it essential for countries to coordinate the operation of reservoirs and the distribution of water resources.
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The water-energy-food nexus is of particular importance. It is proposed to establish a permanent cooperation mechanism within the SCO involving agencies responsible for water resources, energy, and agriculture.
Such a mechanism would make it possible to jointly plan reservoir operations, electricity exchanges, agricultural irrigation requirements, and necessary environmental flows.
Water-saving technologies as the future of agricultural sector
SCO countries have experience in applying modern technologies, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, canal lining, closed pipeline networks, smart water meters, energy-efficient pumps, and AI-based forecasting systems.
In Uzbekistan, the introduction of water-saving technologies helped save 3 billion cubic meters of water in 2025. By the end of 2026, the country aims to extend such technologies to 3.1 million hectares and increase water savings to 5 billion cubic meters.
The regional training held in Tashkent demonstrates that water conservation and digitalization are already becoming practical areas of interstate cooperation in Central Asia.
Digitalization and data exchange
Effective water management is impossible without accurate measurement and monitoring. Therefore, it is proposed to develop the exchange of hydrological data among SCO member states, while respecting national sovereignty and legislation.
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Digital systems can improve the accuracy of water accounting, identify losses, and make the allocation of resources more transparent. This is particularly important for agriculture, where water shortages directly affect crop yields and food security.
From water allocation to joint development
Water diplomacy should not be limited to preventing conflicts. It should contribute to economic development, attract investment, promote technology exchange, and strengthen food and energy security.
Within the SCO framework, countries could establish pilot areas for the introduction of water-saving technologies, train specialists and farmers, and assess results using common methodologies.
Conclusion
Water should become not a subject of competition among Central Asian countries, but a foundation for their economic and agricultural cooperation.
For the agricultural sector, this means a transition towards water-saving irrigation, digital water accounting, joint water-resource planning, and technology exchange. The regional training held in Tashkent from 10 to 12 August 2026 is a concrete example of such cooperation.
Thus, the rational use of water can simultaneously promote agricultural development, strengthen food security, and expand good-neighborly cooperation in Central Asia.