ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF WATER RESOURCE USE IN AGRICULTURE BASED ON SMART TECHNOLOGIES: EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN

Efficient use of water resources is a critical issue for agricultural sustainability in Uzbekistan. This paper evaluates the economic significance of smart and water-saving irrigation technologies using regional data for 2019–2023. The study analyzes the dynamics of technology adoption, regional distribution, and the economic implications of improved irrigation management. The results indicate that the area equipped with smart technologies reached approximately 1.22 million hectares during the analyzed period, accounting for about 28.4% of irrigated land. Adoption has accelerated significantly since 2021, although regional differences remain substantial. Regions such as Khorezm, Navoi, and Jizzakh demonstrate the highest adoption levels, while Kashkadarya and Karakalpakstan remain below the national average. The findings suggest that smart irrigation technologies can improve the economic productivity of water resources by reducing losses, optimizing irrigation scheduling, and lowering operational costs.