Water-Saving Technologies - The Times Of Central Asia

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Water-Saving Technologies

Kyrgyzstan Plans Full Transition to Water-Saving Irrigation in Issyk-Kul Region

Kyrgyzstan’s government is preparing to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to water-saving irrigation technologies, offering farmers preferential financing amid growing concerns over falling water levels in the country’s largest lake and key tourist destination. Speaking in parliament on February 11, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev announced that farmers adopting drip or sprinkler irrigation systems will be eligible for low-interest loans at a preferential 2% rate. Lending is expected to begin next month. Torobaev emphasized the urgency of reducing agricultural water consumption to stabilize inflows into Lake Issyk-Kul. “If we switch to drip irrigation, more water will flow into Issyk-Kul. If we use all the water for agriculture, none of it may reach the lake. Therefore, our goal is to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to drip and sprinkler irrigation,” he told lawmakers. Environmental pressure on the Issyk-Kul basin has intensified due to climate change and accelerated glacier retreat. The basin contains 957 glaciers, covering about 560.8 square kilometers, many of which are shrinking rapidly. Although around 120 rivers feed the lake, only about 80 reach it during the summer months due to irrigation withdrawals. Between 1927 and 2003, the lake’s level dropped by 2.75 meters, an effect largely attributed to inefficient water use. Policy support for conservation has recently been formalized. In December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for the Sustainable Development of the Ecological and Economic System of Lake Issyk-Kul through 2030, alongside a detailed action plan prioritizing the adoption of water-saving agricultural technologies. Under current plans, modern irrigation systems will be installed on 100,000 hectares of farmland across the Issyk-Kul region, potentially redirecting up to 200 million cubic meters of water back into the lake annually. Nationwide, adoption of water-efficient irrigation remains limited but is accelerating. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, modern irrigation technologies currently cover around 16,000 hectares. The authorities aim to expand that area by 30,000-40,000 hectares each year, targeting 200,000 hectares under water-saving irrigation by 2030. State-funded installations are also increasing. In 2026, drip and sprinkler systems are scheduled to be deployed on 5,270 hectares. Between 2024 and 2025, such systems were installed on 2,369 hectares, 641 hectares with drip irrigation, and 1,728 hectares with sprinkler systems. Kyrgyzstan currently has approximately 1 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land overall.

Water-Saving Technologies

Kyrgyz Farmers Encouraged to Adopt Water-Saving Irrigation Methods

Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, has urged the country’s farmers to adopt modern, water-efficient irrigation technologies, specifically drip and sprinkler systems. Citing the growing impact of climate change, glacial melt, and declining river and precipitation levels, Torobaev warned of ongoing irrigation water shortages and stressed the need for more efficient use of existing water resources. The government is undertaking large-scale water conservation efforts, including the construction of new reservoirs, the reconstruction and cleaning of irrigation canals, and the development of a new facility to produce innovative canal-lining material. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan and UK-based Concrete Canvas Ltd. are jointly implementing a €20 million project to build a local plant for manufacturing concrete canvas, a flexible, cement-based material designed to line canals and reduce water loss. Torobaev noted that modern irrigation systems currently cover only 16,000 hectares of Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural land. The government aims to expand this by 30,000-40,000 hectares annually, reaching a total of 200,000 hectares under water-saving irrigation by 2030. To support the transition, various financing options are available, including state-backed programs, bank lending instruments, World Bank project funding, and a concessional loan initiative expected to launch in 2026. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, drip and sprinkler systems will be installed on 5,270 hectares of land in 2026, funded by the state budget. In 2024-2025, systems were installed on 2,369 hectares, 641 hectares with drip irrigation and 1,728 hectares with sprinklers. Kyrgyzstan currently has approximately 1 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land.

Irrigation

Kazakhstan to Modernize Irrigation Sector with $5.3 Million EDB Grant

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) have launched a new joint initiative aimed at modernizing the country’s irrigation sector. Titled “Developing a Business Ecosystem for Sustainable Irrigation in Kazakhstan,” the project is supported by a $5.3 million grant from the EDB and implemented in partnership with UNDP. The agreement was signed by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, UNDP Resident Representative Katarzyna Wawiernia, and EDB Deputy Chairman Ruslan Dalenov. Boosting Climate Resilience and Water Efficiency The multi-year initiative focuses on strengthening Kazakhstan’s resilience to climate change by improving irrigation management. Key components include establishing a National Water Resources Information System, deploying forecasting and water distribution tools, creating regional centers for modern irrigation, training specialists, and promoting water-saving technologies nationwide. Nurzhigitov emphasized that the project aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategic goals for climate adaptation and water sector reform. “For us, participation in this project means achieving strategic goals to modernize the water sector and increase resilience to climate change. We are actively working to attract investment in the water sector, but all strategic decisions are and will be made exclusively in Kazakhstan. Transferring water resources or facilities to foreign countries has never been considered. Our goal is to modernize the water sector to protect the interests of our citizens and ensure security and sustainable development,” he stated. Expanding Water-Saving Irrigation Kazakhstan has steadily increased the use of water-efficient irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler systems to reduce agricultural water consumption. Since 2024, the government has raised subsidies for farmers adopting these technologies. Reimbursement rates for drilling underground water wells and installing modern systems have increased from 50% to 80%. As a result, the area equipped with water-saving irrigation expanded from 312,200 hectares in 2023 to 580,000 hectares in 2025, representing 30% of the country’s total irrigated farmland. By 2030, the government aims to extend modern irrigation systems to 1.3 million hectares, covering 70% of all irrigated land in Kazakhstan.

Green Transition

Kazakh President Proposes Solutions to Climate Threats at Abu Dhabi Summit

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit, where global leaders and experts convened to address pressing challenges in sustainable development. In his address, Tokayev highlighted the urgent threats posed by climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity - issues exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains. Kazakhstan’s Strategy for Sustainability Tokayev presented Kazakhstan’s roadmap for tackling these challenges, focusing on digitalization, major infrastructure projects, and nuclear energy. Noting that global energy systems account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, he underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to green energy development. The country is collaborating with international partners, including Masdar, Total, and Eni, to implement projects to generate 43 GW of renewable energy. Additionally, Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of constructing Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, an initiative supported through a national referendum. Regional Connectivity and Transport Infrastructure Addressing the role of transportation in sustainable development, Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit hub in Eurasia. He called for further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen global supply chains. Sustainable transport infrastructure, he argued, is essential for driving economic growth across the region. Climate and Food Security in Central Asia Tokayev devoted significant attention to the challenges facing Central Asia, particularly the impact of global warming on ecosystems and agriculture. He proposed the introduction of water-saving technologies, the modernization of irrigation systems, and the application of artificial intelligence to better manage water resources. On food security, Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s plan to advance sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to mitigate climate risks while ensuring reliable food supplies. A Global Paradigm Shift Tokayev called on the international community to adopt a new development paradigm based on green finance, the transfer of climate-friendly technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence with environmental priorities. He emphasized that aligning these strategies could significantly boost global GDP by 2030 while addressing environmental challenges. Summit Collaboration and Hope for the Future The Kazakh President concluded his speech by expressing optimism that the summit could serve as a turning point in harmonizing global priorities for sustainable development. The event featured participation from other prominent leaders, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Razan Al Mubarak. Together, the dignitaries reinforced the need for global cooperation in confronting environmental and economic challenges.

Water Management

Kazakhstan Prepares for Flood Season by Releasing Water from Reservoirs

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) has begun releasing water from key reservoirs across the country to prepare for the influx of meltwater expected during the spring thaw. This proactive measure follows the devastating floods of spring 2024, the worst in 80 years, which affected multiple regions and displaced over 120,000 people. By pre-emptively releasing water from reservoirs, Kazakhstan hopes to mitigate the impact of the spring flood season. This preparation underscores the importance of coordinated water management to protect communities, agriculture, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of extreme weather events. In early January, the MWRI held a meeting to discuss water management strategies for the upcoming flood season. Authorities have initiated controlled releases in reservoirs located in the west, east, north, and center of the country - regions hit hardest by last year’s flooding. These releases are designed to reduce water levels in preparation for spring meltwater. Astana Reservoir: Between December 20, 2024, and January 3, 2025, 5.06 million cubic meters of water were released, lowering the reservoir to 83% of its total capacity. By April 1, its volume will be further reduced to 73% (300 million cubic meters). Aktobe Reservoir: Currently holding 51 million cubic meters, this will be lowered to 47.32 million cubic meters by April. Bitik Reservoir (West Kazakhstan): Discharging at 8.3 cubic meters per second, its volume has been reduced to 34.45 million cubic meters. Bukhtarma Reservoir (East Kazakhstan): Now at 79% capacity, this will be reduced by another 8% by spring. Yntymak Reservoir (Karaganda Region): Of its current 69 million cubic meters, only 39 million cubic meters will remain to accommodate floodwaters. Kengir Reservoir (Ulytau Region): Reduced to 86% of capacity, it will be lowered by an additional 11%. Upper Tobolsk Reservoir (Kostanay Region): Holding 585.4 million cubic meters, its volume will be reduced to 61% (499.37 million cubic meters) by April. MWRI head Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the importance of strategic water management throughout the year. “In spring, it is critical not only to collect floodwaters in reservoirs but also to distribute them to lake systems, natural pastures, and meadows,” he said. Nurzhigitov urged regional authorities to plan for efficient water allocation, noting that during the previous irrigation period, farms received approximately 11 billion cubic meters of water. Efforts to restore and preserve both large and small reservoirs were also highlighted. Last spring’s historic floods inundated regions in northern, western, eastern, and central Kazakhstan for nearly two months. Over 120,000 people were evacuated, with rescue efforts involving multiple government agencies, including the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Defense, and Internal Affairs, as well as local authorities and volunteers. Despite extensive state aid, many citizens raised concerns about the allocation of resources, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Boosts Subsidies for Farmers Using Water-Saving Technologies

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has announced an increase in state subsidies for farmers employing water-saving technologies, raising support to 85% for irrigation water costs. This move aims to encourage the widespread adoption of modern water-saving methods, which are expected to reduce water consumption and expand agricultural land. Berikbol Mandibayev, Director of the Ministry’s Department for the Development of Water-Saving Technologies, highlighted the initiative’s potential impact. “The increased subsidies will motivate farmers to adopt modern water-saving technologies, saving 20–30% of irrigation water and enabling the expansion of the country’s agricultural land by 1.3 million hectares by 2030,” Mandibayev said. Subsidies for the purchase and installation of water-saving systems were also raised this year, increasing from 50% to 80%. The Ministry has outlined a Roadmap for Water Conservation for 2024-2026, which includes measures to improve water legislation, digitalize the water sector, and implement advanced water metering and conservation technologies. Additionally, master plans for introducing water-saving systems through 2030 have been approved. Kazakhstan’s agricultural land spans 23.3 million hectares, of which 1.9 million hectares are irrigated, primarily in the country’s arid southern regions. However, the adoption of water-saving technologies remains limited. In 2023, only 17% of irrigated land (312,000 hectares) utilized such technologies, with drip irrigation employed on just 84,000 hectares. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized the slow pace of progress in adopting water-saving practices, citing annual water losses of up to 40% in some regions. The agricultural sector’s inefficiency prompted calls for urgent reforms earlier this year.