In Karakalpakstan, a 2.5-fold decrease in rice production is projected due to water shortages and plans to limit the area for its cultivation. This is provided for by the draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, prepared by the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan and put up for discussion until May 31.

The draft was developed "taking into account the relevance of the issue of protecting the interests of other water users in the cultivation of rice crops in Karakalpakstan in conditions of water shortage, ensuring the rational distribution of land and water, as well as meeting the needs of the population in cheap and high-quality rice products."

The probes carried out in August-September last year found illegal planting of rice on an area of 19,045.6 hectares. 304 million cubic meters of water were supplied to these land plots in excess of the limit and without a contract.

One of the main reasons for the lack of water in the region is the lack of control and inaction in the agricultural sector, the draft document emphasized.

According to the draft, rice fields are planned to be located only in three remote districts - Bozatau, Muynak and Takhtakupyr. This will be done to prevent discontent in other areas where rice is not grown and to stop wasting water, the project notes.

In order to prevent illegal sowing of rice in the places allotted for this, regional working groups and a republican headquarters will be formed.

Taking into account the needs of the population in rice products, the area for growing rice will be limited to 20,000 hectares, from which a harvest of 60,000 tons of rice is expected. Although, according to the forecast volumes of agricultural products for 2023, it was expected that 147.25 thousand tons of rice would be grown in Karakalpakstan, that is, almost 2.5 times more than the proposed forecast.

In total, in 2023, it was planned to produce 528.2 thousand tons of rice in Uzbekistan, including 144.65 thousand tons in the Khorezm province.