Government Steps Up Oversight of Irrigation Water

As the growing season intensifies, Kazakhstan's government is bolstering oversight over irrigation water distribution. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has called on officials to manage risks proactively instead of waiting for crises to escalate, Orda.kz reports.

Bektenov chaired a meeting focused on ensuring sufficient irrigation water for farmers, with particular attention on the southern regions, which account for 97% of national water consumption.

River levels are falling, farmers report shortages, and the government points to illegal diversions and water theft.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, 22,500 farmers have already been connected to water sources — 3,000 more than at the same time last year. Water distribution is being handled through branches of the Kazvodkhoz state enterprise.

The meeting addressed the situation on the Shu, Talas, and Syr Darya rivers, highlighting the importance of transparent water allocation in the face of scarcity. To support efficient usage, the government is offering differentiated subsidies, with greater support for those using water-saving technologies.

Bektenov instructed regional governors to establish local headquarters that include both officials and farmers. These groups will be responsible for monitoring adherence to irrigation schedules, promoting recycling technologies, and combating water theft.

The Ministry was tasked with tightening control over water limits, developing cooperation mechanisms with neighboring countries on transboundary rivers, and expanding digital monitoring using satellite data to identify and map shortage zones.

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev will oversee its coordination.

Southern Kazakhstan has long struggled with systemic water shortages, forcing farmers to shift to less water-intensive crops and adopt conservation practices.

Original Author: Alina Pak