QURHGON TEPPA, July 19, 2010, Asia-Plus -- This year, more than 2,600 hectares of lands have remained uncultivated in Jilikul district, Khatlon province.

According to the Jilikul chairman Mahmadrahim Ismoilov, the situation has resulted from an acute shortage of irrigation water.

“This year, 50,000 somoni have been allocated from the district budget and 80,000 somoni have been allocated from the Khatlon regional budget for improvement of lands in Jilikul,” said Ismoilov, “However, these funds were enough only to repair part of pumps and put the irrigation system in order.  Unfortunately, more than 2,600 hectares of lands have remained uncultivated.”

He also noted that the problem of the water supply to the Gorouti jamoat was expected to be solved this year due to financial support of international organizations.  “The jamoat is currently supplied with water due to pumps,” the district chairman noted.

Jilikul district now has 14,820 hectares of irrigated lands.