Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has introduced water-saving technologies as an alternative income source for rural residents in the Kegayly, Karauzak, and Chimboy districts of Karakalpakstan.

The installation of 45 drip irrigation systems, with 15 systems provided to each district, has brought some relief to the residents of the Aral Sea region. These technologies automate plant irrigation, reducing water and mineral fertilizer costs by 40-50%, while also preventing various plant diseases and maintaining soil moisture, leading to increased crop yields.

The FAO’s initiative aimed to improve the quality of life in these coastal areas. The drip irrigation systems significantly reduce the need for manual labor, saving time, and cutting water and fertilizer usage by 40-50%.

The Aral Sea region is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, water scarcity, and natural resource degradation. Drip irrigation is highly efficient, providing stable high yields with minimal water use under limited water resources. Awareness campaigns about the drip irrigation system have generated considerable interest among rural residents in the Kegayly, Karauzak, and Chimboy districts.

These systems were installed as part of the joint project "Empowering Youth for a Bright Future Through Green and Innovative Development of the Aral Sea Region," which is being implemented by the FAO in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The project is funded by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security in the Aral Sea region.

The goal of the collaboration is to create better employment opportunities for local communities through innovation and green development, as well as to enhance their ability to adapt to the effects of the Aral Sea crisis.

As part of this project, the FAO has conducted various activities to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population. Specifically, 45 women from the Kegayly, Karauzak, and Chimboy districts have been provided with sewing machines free of charge, and training sessions have been held for women and youth in sewing, embroidery, and traditional crafts as alternative income sources in rural areas. Additionally, presentations on the importance of gender equality, which involves creating equal conditions, rights, and opportunities for men and women in all areas of life, including agriculture, small business, and entrepreneurship, have been conducted.