In the water-deficient regions of Zhambyl and Turkestan, reserves are only at half of the expected amount, according to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology, media reports.
Despite this, planting norms are still being increased, with rice crops seeing a rise of 2,000 hectares and cotton by 5,000 hectares in the Turkestan region. The situation is tense in Zhambyl due to the small recharge of reservoirs in Kyrgyzstan caused by the weak melting of glaciers. Moreover, there is a lack of reliable information on irrigated land in the region.
While the Akimat reports 181,000 hectares of land, Kazvodkhoz will only supply water for 93,000 hectares this year. Farmers are receiving even less water due to the poor condition of irrigation canals and reservoirs, resulting in up to a 50% loss during transportation.
In response, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov has ordered their cleanup. He has recognized this as a significant loss, with the reconstruction of the canal in the Turkestan region taking over 12 years. The situation is similar on the Left Bank Main Canal, which many farmers in the Kyzylorda region rely on. Unfortunately, the water deficit is expected to triple by 2040, with existing tariffs not providing incentives to save.
The Prime Minister has called for their revision and a change in how people think about water consumption. Currently, only farmers who use water-saving technologies can rely on subsidies.
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