Kazakhstan installs water-saving technologies on 158 thousand hectares of land

According to the administrations, sprinkler systems that simulate natural precipitation have been introduced on 56 thousand hectares of acreage, drip systems that supply water directly to plant roots on 44 thousand hectares.

"I consider it necessary to report to all Kazakhstanis on how we carry out the instructions given to us and what plans we have in this direction. I will publish the information in stages," said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.

He said that 58,000 hectares of land had been leveled by the planner. It is noted that the levelling of fields allows you to evenly distribute water over their surfaces, increasing the efficiency of irrigation.

In 2024, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, increased subsidies for farmers' costs for infrastructure construction, purchase and installation of water-saving systems from 50% to 80%.

In addition, farmers who use water-saving technologies now pay less for irrigation water. Since when using water-saving systems, the amount of subsidies for water has been increased to 85%, depending on the tariff.

Indicators on technology implementation have been established for regional administrations. Administrations, in turn, have developed and approved plans until 2030 for the implementation of water-saving systems on cultivated areas.

In general, according to the calculations of the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Water Management, the use of water-saving technologies can save up to 30% of water.

Currently, there are four domestic plants in Kazakhstan for the production of sprinklers and drip equipment. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, together with the national company Kazakh Invest, is implementing three projects to launch the production of sprinklers in the country by two Turkish and one Chinese companies.

In addition, two plants for the production of drip equipment in the Turkestan region are planned to be opened this year jointly with Chinese companies.

The Ministry is also testing innovative water-saving technologies. Last year, together with the country's leading research institutes, the Hungarian drug Water-Retainer was tested.

According to preliminary data, the use of the drug saves about 20-37% of water, and also improves yields.

"At an expanded government meeting earlier this week, the head of state once again stressed the need to introduce water-saving technologies. Earlier, the president set us the task of introducing water-saving technologies on 150 thousand hectares of land annually. The measures we are implementing are aimed at achieving this result," Nurzhan Nurzhigitov added.

Earlier it was reported that 19 pumping units will be replaced at the Satpayev canal.

"The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation plans to replace 19 pumping units and electrical equipment on the Satpayev canal in the next four years. On behalf of the head of state, the ministry has developed a roadmap for the comprehensive reconstruction of a hydraulic structure that has no analogues in the world," the Ministry of Irrigation reports.

Reported by Kapital (Kazakhstan)