Kyrgyzstan is set to embark on an ambitious initiative involving the construction of 64 reservoirs, daily regulation pools, and ten-day regulation pools, as revealed by Agriculture Minister Askarbek Janibekov, 24.kg reports. This move is part of the Ministry of Agriculture's comprehensive strategy to adapt to climate change and enhance the efficient utilization of irrigation water resources.
Highlighting the initial progress, Minister Janibekov stated: "The first steps have already been taken. "We have reduced water loss by 10% and increased the volume of supplied moisture by 20%, this is the result of the appropriation of KGS 1bn ($11.2mn) allocated from the budget."
In the quest to minimize losses, the ministry is introducing water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation and spraying technology. To support farmers in adopting these practices, over 250mn ($2.8mn) has been allocated from the 2022 budget for the purchase of drip irrigation equipment. This investment has resulted in a doubling of the irrigated area within a year, and the equipment will be provided over a five-year period at a favorable interest rate of 6%.
Minister Janibekov underscored the significance of addressing water losses during the non-vegetation season, particularly from sources in the Chüy region that flow into the Chüy River, ultimately reaching Kazakhstan. To tackle this, plans are in motion to construct water storage facilities, including reservoirs and regulation pools, with 64 projects in the pipeline. Initial work has already commenced on some of these projects.
Efforts are also underway to mitigate losses during water transportation, a problem that accounts for 25-30% loss. Mechanized cleaning and concreting of canals are part of the strategy. Last year, approximately 668km of canals were cleaned, with an expansion planned for the current year. The ministry aims to complete the mechanized cleaning of all canals within its jurisdiction by the end of 2025.
The comprehensive approach outlined by Minister Janibekov reflects Kyrgyzstan's commitment to modernizing its water management infrastructure, fostering sustainability, and addressing climate-related challenges in the agricultural sector.
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