Kazakhstan Accelerates Water-Saving Irrigation Adoption Fivefold with State Support

State support measures implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation have significantly accelerated the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies in Kazakhstan. The annual increase in land using these modern systems has reached 150,000 hectares, a fivefold jump from the average annual rate of 30,000 hectares recorded before 2024.

The total area across the country now utilizing water-saving technologies stands at 543,500 hectares. This rapid growth aligns with directives from the Head of State to modernize the agricultural sector.

A key driver of this progress is a substantial increase in state subsidies. The government now reimburses 80% of costs for drilling wells, installing infrastructure, and purchasing equipment, up from the previous 50% rate.

Furthermore, a differentiated tariff for irrigation water has been introduced. This policy will gradually increase state subsidies for water costs from 50% to 85% over the next three years.

Financial backing for promoting water-saving technologies has also been strengthened. Funding allocated for the 2026-2028 period is four times higher than in the previous three-year cycle.

"By 2030, we plan to expand the area using water-saving irrigation systems to 1.3 million hectares," stated Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. "These technologies allow us to save up to 30% of irrigation water."

The minister also highlighted that his ministry has developed a framework List of Best Available Technologies for water resource protection and use, which includes advanced irrigation systems as a core component.