Uzbekistan leads the way in solar-powered drip irrigation for agricultural sustainability and water efficiency
The Tashkent region in Uzbekistan has recently welcomed its first solar-powered pumping system, marking a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in the area. The photovoltaic drip irrigation system, located in the Akkurgan district, is now operational, as reported by the regional administration.
The system operates by utilizing solar panels with a total capacity of 7.5 kWh to power a pump that extracts water from a 180-meter-deep well. This innovative initiative was made possible through collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union as part of the EU-AGRIN project.
With the ability to serve more than 20 households with subsidiary farms covering a total area of over 3 hectares, the installation is designed to significantly reduce water usage by up to 60% compared to traditional irrigation methods. At present, 10 households with plots totaling 0.8 hectares are benefitting from the system, with any surplus electricity generated being sold to the state to support the well’s maintenance and system management.
Wim Riepma, Head of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, highlighted the project’s importance in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture. He emphasized that the adoption of alternative energy sources such as solar power will not only bolster food security but also boost farmers’ incomes in the region.
Furthermore, the Tashkent Region Water Supply Company is undertaking efforts to install solar panels on various hydraulic structures across different districts. By the end of the year, a total of 3,933 solar panels are set to be installed, further advancing the region’s transition towards eco-friendly and efficient agricultural practices.
