Smart water management: new opportunities for agribusiness

Uzbekistan has limited water resources. Agriculture, forestry and fishing made up about 18% of GDP in 2024 (World Bank), while agriculture accounts for almost 90% of the country’s freshwater withdrawals (World Bank, 2022). That makes water saving one of the key tasks for the sustainable growth of agribusiness.

Why does smart water management matter?

With climate change, growing demand and shrinking sources, every litre counts. According to Uzbekistan’s Water Sector Development Concept 2020–2030, by 2050 the flow of the Syr Darya will fall by 5% and the Amu Darya by up to 15% compared with 2020 (Asian Development Bank). Most of the country’s water comes from these two rivers — an extra challenge for farmers.

Which technologies help save water?

• Smart irrigation systems. Soil moisture sensors show when and how much water plants need, and the system adjusts the supply itself — less overuse and less loss.
• Water meters. The low-cost Smartstick, developed by IWMI (the International Water Management Institute), shows in real time how much water flows from a canal onto a field. In trials in Uzbekistan it enabled precise water accounting, fees based on actual volumes and fewer disputes (IWMI). According to CGIAR, 8,000 farmers cultivating 360,000 hectares use water-accounting tools.
• Water reuse. Treating and reusing water and collecting rainwater ease the pressure on natural sources and make production more profitable.

What is the economic benefit for agribusiness?

Investing in smart water management is not only about the environment. When plants get water at the right time and in the right amount, spending on water and pumping electricity falls, and fields are protected from salinization and yield losses caused by over-irrigation.

What are the state and international organizations doing?

Uzbekistan’s Water Sector Development Concept 2020–2030 includes introducing smart technologies, upgrading irrigation systems and improving energy efficiency. International organizations such as IWMI work on technologies that help tackle water scarcity in the region.

Where can you see these technologies?

AgroPro Expo 2027 takes place on March 2–4 at SOF Expo in Samarkand. Its sections include agritech, farm machinery and irrigation equipment — farmers and agribusiness professionals can see new solutions and meet manufacturers directly. More on the exhibition page.