Water supply in the agricultural sector of the Central Asian region: the need for radical transformation

Central Asia is rich in water resources, yet it is currently facing one of the largest environmental disasters. The disappearance of the Aral Sea is a consequence of inefficient water management and climate change, which pose new challenges for the region and lead to serious problems in utilizing its water potential. The goal is to study the current state of the agricultural water supply system in Central Asia and identify ways to enhance the resilience of hydraulic infrastructure. Methods – economic-statistical, factor, and comparative analysis aimed at examining the economic, social, and environmental aspects of water resource regulation and irrigated agriculture. Results – the current situation in the water sector was analyzed, including the effectiveness of mechanisms for coordinating and controlling transboundary water bodies and attracting investment. The study showed that the existing level of irrigation of agricultural land has led to a significant decrease in water inflow to the Aral Sea, a reduction in arable land area due to soil salinization, and depletion of water reservoirs. Improving water use efficiency and modernizing infrastructure positively impact the sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex. Moreover, the necessity of introducing public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms into irrigation projects is emphasized. Conclusions – effective exploitation of water resources requires a comprehensive approach, investment attraction, and improved support measures for farming operations. These efforts will enable rational water distribution, enhance the investment appeal of the agricultural sector, and optimize water usage under conditions of scarcity. The future demand for water in food production is enormous and will require large-scale, modern water infrastructure. Hydrosphere management plays a crucial role in water delivery and ecosystem preservation.