25 March, FERGANA VALLEY – On 16-18 March, a workshop on water-saving technologies for agriculture, particularly the application of drip irrigation, was conducted for farmers of the Namangan, Andijan and Fergana regions. The workshop was held within the framework of the ‘Enhancing the adaptation and strengthening the resilience of farming to Climate Change Risks in Fergana Valley’ (ACCRF) joint project of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and UNDP, implemented with funding from the Russian Federation.

Today, both in Uzbekistan and throughout Central Asia, the problem of water scarcity escalates every year. This challenge will not be resolved unless we all start using the available, precious water resources in a more rational way.

The workshop’s participants had joined the event with an understanding that now is the time to switch to alternative types of irrigation, but also with objections or doubts about using drip irrigation. The three-day event, rich in questions, films and presentation materials, featured a lively discussion throughout between farmers who use drip irrigation and those who have just begun to think about applying the technology on their farms.

Applying drip irrigation, as confirmed through many positive examples, not only saves water but also creates economic benefits. In addition to allowing crops to ripen 7-10 days earlier, using drip irrigation can save funds which would otherwise be spent buying expensive soil preparations, and reduce expenses related to electricity and equipment. Using the technology can save labour otherwise spent on watering and weeding, while increasing the quality and quantity of yields and maintaining better ecological balance on farms and allowing farmers greater access to state support.

Of course, there are also some apparent shortcomings to drip irrigation. These can include the time it takes for the related expensive investments to pay for themselves, that equipment and hoses for moving water can become worn out within warranty time, and that water may seem to quickly evaporate before plants have time to absorb it. There is also the question of whether it is appropriate and practical to apply drip irrigation at farms in adyr (foothill) areas.

Workshop trainer Erkin Usmankhodjaev has pointed out that these difficulties can be avoided through correct planning. This planning includes not only allocating an appropriate budget, but also studying the structure and properties of the soil, the source and properties of the available water supply, the drainage, location and mobility of groundwater, the choice of crop and the specifics of root systems, and many other matters often not sufficiently considered during planning. Also, in response to participant questions, Mr. Usmankhodjaev noted that clogged hoses can be the result of not just poor-quality water, but also minerals in water that may crystallize and settle on tube walls. He noted that sometimes just adjusting the water supply’s pressure can solve problems of rapid evaporation.

"I have over 120 hectares of planting area, and of course I use a lot of water and energy to farm it. Despite all of its benefits and advantages, before joining this seminar I was not sure whether I should switch to economical irrigation,” said workshop participant Khurshida Abdullaeva. “But I am leaving the seminar with confidence that it is not only necessary to switch to drip irrigation, but also to do so quickly."