Kazakhstan presents latest water-saving technologies to farmers
Kazakhstan is facing an increasing shortage of water resources due to climate change, inefficient management of these resources and outdated technologies in agriculture. This leads to a decrease in yields, deterioration of soil quality and economic losses. To overcome the crisis, it is necessary to introduce innovative water-saving technologies. Some such innovations were presented at the Field Day in the Almaty region, organised by the National Academy of Sciences under the President of Kazakhstan.
According to the press service of the National Academy, the seminar emphasised the importance of introducing innovative technologies in the field of water conservation, such as drip irrigation, the use of soil moisture sensors, digital water management and the introduction of drought-resistant varieties of crops.
"We are among the most water-poor countries in the world. In addition, about half of the country's water resources are generated outside the state. According to World Bank experts, by 2030, the volume of water resources in Kazakhstan will decrease by 15%, which will become one of the main threats to the national security of the country," President of the National Academy of Sciences Akhylbek Kurishbayev said. He noted that today 78% of canals in Kazakhstan have an earthen bed, and about 40% of water is lost during transportation. The main consumer of water resources is agriculture, which accounts for about 70% of the country's water consumption. Water-saving technologies are used only on 20% of irrigated lands, including drip irrigation 5.4%.
"In other words, we are talking about the irrational use of water. Our country spends three times more water per dollar of GDP than Russia and six times more than the United States. The condition of irrigated lands does not stand up to any criticism. Compared to 1991, their areas have decreased by one third, or more than 846 thousand hectares have been withdrawn from circulation, mainly due to lack of water and deterioration of their reclamation condition," Akhylbek Kurishbayev said.
The Academy believes that an integrated approach is needed to solve the problem of water scarcity: improving legislation, developing scientific research, investing in infrastructure, raising public awareness and cooperation between the state, science and business.
If Kazakhstan starts to effectively manage water resources based on an integrated approach, it will be able to reduce water consumption by at least 50%, while increasing crop yields 1.5 times.
Reported by ElDala (Kazakhstan).