Top Water shortage in Central Asia and re-routing of Siberian rivers to Central Asia Central Asian Analyst June s a result of severe drought, water has become an acute problem in Central Asia. Governments, international agencies and others are trying to find a solution to this problem. This proposal was never realized, but recently resurfaced. The end of 20th century and the beginning of 21st has seen serious drought in Central Asia and adjoining regions. The water problem has never been so acute in the post-independent history of the Central Asian states.
Agricultural production is low.
For example, Uzbekistan produced only 3 million tons of raw cotton in 2000, compared to 4-5 million tons in previous years. This is not a unique problem. The distribution of water among upstream and downstream countries has always been a thorny issue. Central Asian history also has experienced serious water clashes. Sources show that Samarkand and Bukhara fought a war over rights to the Zarafshan River.