To solve problems with preserving the potential of irrigated lands and saving water in Central Asia, it is necessary to develop a consolidated approach. The Chief Economist at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Evgeny Vinokurov said.
According to him, in just five years the Central Asian region may face a significant increase in water shortage. To prepare for this, ten practical steps are proposed — four at the regional level and six at the national policy level.
«One of the most effective solutions is the creation of an international water-energy consortium in Central Asia. It could focus on implementation of irrigation projects as well as energy ones. Consortia can also be created to implement individual large investment projects. It is advisable to create a regional cluster for the production of irrigation equipment, because every year the countries of the region subsidize from $200 million of its purchase. But we could produce it ourselves,» Evgeny Vinokurov said.
He noted that all Central Asian states should develop a common position on cooperation with Afghanistan. It is worth proposing a partnership scheme in the existing mechanisms for managing water resources in Central Asia. The development of water and irrigation systems in the region needs to attract significant investments, including in the format of public-private partnerships.
«It is extremely important to organize correct water accounting on inter-farm canals and on farms with the participation of water user associations. Water tariffs should gradually include investment allocations to finance the construction, renovation and modernization of irrigation systems. To prevent salinization, it is necessary to reconstruct irrigation and drainage systems. It is also recommended to universally introduce digital technologies in the water sector and use the most modern technologies for irrigation, laser land leveling, and crop cultivation,» Evgeny Vinokurov concluded.
