A recent report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has highlighted the critical role of irrigation in water management across Central Asia, where 79% of the region's water is allocated to agricultural use.
The study emphasizes the importance of efficient irrigation technologies to sustain agricultural output and food security.
According to the EDB's 2025 report, Central Asia consumes 127.3 cubic kilometers of water per year, with 100.4 cubic kilometers—nearly four-fifths—directed towards irrigation. The report underscores that agriculture remains the dominant consumer of water in the region.
“Irrigated agriculture is vital for food security,” the report states. The significance of irrigation is particularly high in countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, where it contributes substantially to agricultural production. Despite occupying just 24% of all sown land, irrigated areas generate 66% of the region's total agricultural output. The report provides a breakdown of the figures: 100% of Turkmenistan's agricultural output is derived from irrigated lands, while other countries follow closely with varying levels: 87% in Uzbekistan, 85% in Kyrgyzstan, 82% in Tajikistan, and 40% in Kazakhstan.
In crop production specifically, irrigated areas account for about 80% of total agricultural output across the region. The reliance on irrigation is attributed to the region's climate, which is characterized by insufficient and unstable moisture levels, making irrigation essential for sustaining agricultural development.
Irrigated land also plays a critical role in ensuring agricultural stability, particularly during dry years when rainfall is inadequate. The report calls for further advancements in irrigation technologies to ensure more sustainable water use and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity in the region.
Severe flooding in southwest Wales has prompted a major incident, with emergency crews rescuing dozens of people from homes, vehicles and a care facil...
The Champions League match between Qarabağ FK and Chelsea has finished 2–2 at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku....
Dutch smartphone maker Fairphone is entering the U.S. market, betting on growing demand for repairable and sustainable devices as right-to-repair legi...
The detention of Israel’s former military Advocate General has been extended until Friday as investigators probe a video leak showing soldiers alleg...
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday instructed senior officials to prepare proposals for potential nuclear weapons testing, following Presid...
Egypt and Sudan on Wednesday described Ethiopia’s Nile River dam as a “threat” to their countries, citing serious consequences for water security and regional stability.
Iran has inaugurated a $70 million water diversion initiative aimed at increasing the capital’s water supply.
The Tawila Cisterns, a network of ancient water reservoirs carved into Shamsan mountain, have been included in the Arab Architectural and Urban Heritage list by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
Iran is grappling with a worsening water crisis, with more than 20 of its 31 provinces suffering from severe shortages that have left the capital Tehran facing the risk of running dry.
The Champions League match between Qarabağ FK and Chelsea has finished 2–2 at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku.
Brussels airport, Belgium's busiest, reopened on Wednesday morning after drone sightings during the previous night had resulted in it being temporarily closed, although some flights remained disrupted, its website said.
Israel’s top military legal officer Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who resigned last week, has been arrested over the leak of a video showing soldiers brutally assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman military prison.
Russia remains in constant contact with Venezuela over tensions in the Caribbean, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to boost mutual investment and deepen economic cooperation with Russia, as Moscow faces growing Western sanctions and trade pressure.
Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, met with Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State for Europe, Northern America and Overseas Territories.
Kaja Kallas says Türkiye's ties with the European Union are vital for the bloc, despite ongoing membership talks.
The Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) hosted the screening of a documentary by AnewZ dedicated to the Belt and Road Initiative and the rising importance of the Middle Corridor in the global economy.
As part of his official visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held separate meetings with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and President of the National People’s Assembly Ibrahim Boughali.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation of heads of member institutions of the Arab Coordination Group on November 5.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment