Uzbekistan, U.S. firm explore irrigation technology to cut water use by 50%

Photo: The Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. Uzbekistan is exploring the introduction of U.S. pulse irrigation technology that could reduce water consumption by up to 50% and cut costs by as much as 15 times compared with conventional drip irrigation systems at a meeting in Samarkand on October 19.

This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture, following a meeting in Samarkand between Nuriddin Kushnazarov, an adviser to Uzbekistan’s agriculture minister, and Dan Peterson, a representative of U.S. company Silverleaf International.

According to the company representative, the Pulsar pulse irrigation system is designed to reduce water use while lowering irrigation costs.

In addition, the sides discussed expanding the technology’s use beyond the Jizzakh region, where it has already been tested, and introducing it in other parts of Uzbekistan.

The talks covered opportunities to modernize cotton fiber processing and yarn-spinning capacity, as well as increase exports of finished textile products. The ministry noted that 90% of the relevant products are directed to export markets.

Moreover, the meeting focused on expanding imports of U.S. technologies and equipment, promoting water-efficient solutions and strengthening cooperation in agriculture and textiles.

The discussions took place during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Uzbekistan, which included meetings aimed at expanding bilateral economic cooperation. No new investment amount or implementation timeline for the irrigation technology was announced.