New approaches to water use in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector

Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector remains one of the key factors shaping seasonal water consumption, especially in the southern regions, where irrigated farming directly depends on stable access to water resources. In the context of climate change and increasing pressure on water systems, the efficient use of water in agriculture is becoming strategically important.

As part of the Head of State’s directive on crop diversification, special attention is being paid to reducing the share of water-intensive crops such as rice and cotton. This measure is aimed at lowering water pressure and ensuring a more rational allocation of resources.

These approaches are закреплены in the Roadmap to double the gross agricultural output for the period 2024–2028.

Preparation for the 2026 growing season included a series of interagency meetings involving farmers and government representatives. In early December, issues related to optimizing the crop structure in the Kyzylorda, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions were discussed. The main focus was on transitioning to less water-intensive crops and expanding the use of water-saving technologies, including drip irrigation.

To ensure systematic coordination, an interagency working group was established, including representatives of central and local executive bodies, профильных organizations, and the scientific community. By mid-December, plans for the use of cropland in key regions were approved, taking into account irrigation water limits set by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

As a result of these measures, in 2026 the crop structure was balanced in line with available water resources. The area under rice was reduced by 20.2 thousand hectares, including 10.9 thousand hectares in the Kyzylorda region, 7.4 thousand hectares in the Turkestan region, and 1.9 thousand hectares in the Almaty region. These measures will significantly reduce seasonal water consumption.

The total area under cotton will amount to 162.4 thousand hectares, of which nearly half — 79.8 thousand hectares — will be converted to drip irrigation. Expanding this technology by 29.8 thousand hectares, while reducing traditional irrigation methods by 12 thousand hectares, will not only save water but also increase yields.

Additional meetings in January with farmers from the Almaty region and the Zhetysu region confirmed the course toward further diversification and the introduction of modern agrotechnologies. Thus, a new model of seasonal water consumption is being formed, based on a balance between economic efficiency and sustainable use of natural resources.

Overall, the provision of irrigation water to agricultural producers during the growing season remains under constant control of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

A comprehensive approach, including planning, technological modernization, and interagency cooperation, makes it possible to minimize the risks of water shortages and enhance the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.