Japan-Backed UNDP Project Transforms Lives Across Karakalpakstan

Ms Uno Kimi, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan, visited remote areas of Karakalpakstan to meet residents whose lives have improved under the UNDP project «Supporting Self-Reliance through Climate-Resilient Agriculture in the Aral Sea Region», funded by Japan.

«I am delighted to see how the project has changed people’s lives for the better. We look forward to continuing our cooperation,» said Ms Uno Kimi.

During her meeting with Mr Farkhod Ermanov, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, both sides praised the project’s impact and reaffirmed cooperation.

Clean Water and Better Schools

The delegation opened the renovated School No. 38 in Kokozek, now equipped with solar panels, heating and a water desalination system.

«Children no longer sit in jackets during winter. We finally have warmth and clean water,» said a teacher.

A new water station in Pashenttau now serves 300 families.

«For forty years we drank salty water. Now every home has clean water,» said a resident.

Smart Farming and Green Business

In Kegeyli, farmer Omirniyaz Toreniyazov showcased orchards with drip irrigation that save water tenfold. At Borly Oy farm, Aymurza Kutlimuratov demonstrated a closed water cycle that turns drainage into irrigation.

«We’ve turned waste into food and income,» he said.

At Green Agro Farm Export, Azibek Jumanazarov produces 600 tonnes of organic biohumus a year, while entrepreneur Nodira Sultanova runs a corn snack workshop employing four women.

In Nukus, the «Johkasou» wastewater treatment system, Japan’s first in the region, recycles water for irrigation, saving costs and protecting the environment.

Kursiv also reports that UNDP has recently supplied mobile laboratory equipment to the Karakalpak Republican Centre for Agricultural Services under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture.