Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on the progress of the growing (vegetation) season.

The meeting addressed the current situation across the country, with a particular focus on the southern regions, which account for 97% of total water consumption. Measures under discussion included efforts in agriculture to adapt crop structures to current conditions, the shift toward less water-intensive crops, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.

Reports were delivered by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, as well as the governors (akims) of the Turkistan, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Zhetysu regions.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI), branches of the state enterprise “Kazvodkhoz” are currently supplying water to farmers. As of now, 22,500 contracts have been signed with agricultural producers—3,000 more than during the same period last year.

The meeting also focused on the situation along the Shu, Talas, and Syr Darya rivers, as well as on ensuring transparency in water distribution. To encourage water conservation, a differentiated system of subsidies for irrigation water has been introduced: farmers using water-saving technologies receive higher subsidies than those who do not. At the same time, efforts are being made to combat illegal water use and prevent water theft.

The Prime Minister emphasized that meeting the water needs of agricultural producers and ensuring adequate water supply for farming require heightened attention.

“We must transition to proactive water risk management, with a focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and interagency coordination. Regional akims must ensure proper coordination between water-supplying organizations and farmers to deliver irrigation water, enforce irrigation technologies, maintain irrigation schedules, and promote reuse of collector-drainage water. It is essential to intensify efforts to adopt water-saving technologies. I instruct the creation of regional headquarters for managing water risks during the growing season, involving representatives from relevant government bodies and farmer associations. Strengthening control over illegal water usage and increasing detection of violations are also crucial,” Olzhas Bektenov stressed.

The Ministry of Water Resources has also been tasked with enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries regarding transboundary rivers, strengthening control over water supply limits, responding promptly to water issues, and carrying out facility repairs.

In addition, it is necessary to implement digital water usage monitoring systems using satellite data, with real-time identification of deficit areas on interactive maps.

The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure farmers have access to water, and the progress of the growing season remains under continuous supervision. Coordination is entrusted to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.

#The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Ecology #water resources

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