Res. Agr. Eng., 2025, 71(3):143-154 | DOI: 10.17221/20/2025-RAE

Addressing water scarcity in agriculture through small reservoir construction in Kashkadarya ProvinceOriginal Paper

Khojiakbar Khasanov ORCID...1, Masharif Bakiev ORCID...1, Oqil Rasulov ORCID...2, Nodira Babajanova1, Ilhom Abdurahmanov3
1 Department of Hydrotechnical Structures and Engineering Constructions, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
2 Department of Life Safety and Ecology, Tajik Technical University named after Academician M.S. Osimi, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
3 Department of Geodesy and Geoinformatics, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, National Research University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

This study explores the construction of small reservoirs (SRs) as a strategic solution to address water scarcity in Kashkadarya Province, Uzbekistan, where agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on irrigation. By utilising geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies, optimal locations for reservoirs were identified, focusing on improving the water availability for irrigation during critical periods. The research highlights the socio-economic and environmental benefits of SRs, including enhanced agricultural yields, increased employment opportunities, and reduced reliance on energy-intensive pumping stations. The findings indicate that the construction of an 18 Mm3 reservoir in the Ayakchisoy River could supply water to 26.5 thousand hectares, thereby improving the region’s resilience to climate variability. This approach offers a sustainable framework for managing water resources in arid regions, contributing to food security and economic stability.

Keywords: drought mitigation; rural livelihoods; water resource management; food security; socio-economic impact; irrigation; geographic information systems; agricultural productivity; climate resilience

Received: February 15, 2025; Accepted: May 22, 2025; Prepublished online: July 3, 2025; Published: September 29, 2025  Show citation

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Khasanov K, Bakiev M, Rasulov O, Babajanova N, Abdurahmanov I. Addressing water scarcity in agriculture through small reservoir construction in Kashkadarya Province. Res. Agr. Eng. 2025;71(3):143-154. doi: 10.17221/20/2025-RAE.
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