The looming threat of drought in Kazakhstan has prompted calls for the development of a comprehensive plan to mitigate its impact. Ecologist Aizhan Skakova has emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, citing the government's failure to adequately tackle the problem in 2021. The consequences of inaction will not only affect Kazakhstan but also pose challenges for other Central Asian countries, reports our correspondent In Kazakhstan.
Kazhydromet, the national meteorological agency, has predicted drought conditions in five regions of Kazakhstan in June. The potential consequences include severe damage to livestock and crops, which could lead to a nationwide food crisis.
"In July 2021, drought severely impacted many regions of Kazakhstan, particularly the Mangistau and Kyzylorda regions near the Aral Sea. Local residents and lawmakers called for a state of emergency to be declared in these areas, but the government did not support the proposal. As a result, the Mangistau region alone witnessed the death of 6,000 to 7,000 heads of cattle due to the drought," highlighted ecologist Aizhan Skakova.
Skakova stressed the need for preparedness ahead of a dry summer. The government, based on weather forecasts, should proactively develop a national plan to address the potential drought's repercussions.
"Local authorities should not rely on wishful thinking but instead take action and implement measures to adapt to these climate anomalies. Farmers, in particular, require effective assistance. The ongoing heatwave and the Caspian Sea's shallowing have already necessitated the declaration of local emergencies. Given these factors, the people of Kazakhstan must adapt to the new conditions, challenges, and threats," emphasized Skakova.
Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Karashukeev assured that a roadmap had been prepared and was being implemented, including the provision of livestock feed to farmers.
"Feed supply has been closely monitored since last year. We are concerned due to the absence of rainfall. As we approach June, we will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions accordingly," stated Yerbol Karashukeev, Minister of Agriculture.
However, ecologist Aizhan Skakova expressed dissatisfaction with this response, stressing the importance of addressing the potential problem in advance rather than merely dealing with its aftermath.
The Ministry of Ecology has also expressed concerns over the current situation. Zulfiya Suleimenova, the head of the department, informed reporters that water is being supplied to farmers upon request in the southern regions of the country. Over the past five months, one and a half billion cubic meters of water have been supplied to the Aral Sea.
"We are encouraging farmers to cultivate less water-intensive crops. For instance, rice cultivation has significantly increased in the south. However, overall, water shortages due to drastic climate changes have been observed for several years. Considering this, it may be necessary to reduce rice cultivation, as it requires about 20,000 cubic meters of water per hectare," explained Zulfiya Suleimenova, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.
Climate change scenarios predict a significant increase in drought duration and extent in Central Asia under different warming scenarios. Skakova emphasizes that if global warming reaches 1.5°C, 2.0°C, or 3.0°C, the impact will be severe for most countries in the region.
The situation calls for immediate attention and concerted efforts to mitigate the impending threat, protect livelihoods, and secure the country's agricultural sector.