Kerimaliev noted that water plays a critical role not only in agriculture but also in other areas; however, in agricultural production, its significance is comparable to meteorological conditions. In this regard, a program has been developed covering five key areas, among which irrigation and providing clean water are priorities.
According to him, large-scale activities are being carried out in the field of irrigation, and significant changes have been observed after reforms in this area. The Deputy Minister emphasized that successful progress in the development of irrigation requires joint efforts from various parties: farmers, local specialists, and the country's leadership.
“The President and the Cabinet of Ministers attach great importance to agriculture and provide significant funding. These resources are directed towards the development of the irrigation sector and the drinking water supply system,” he added.
Kerimaliev also reported that by 2025, numerous channels had been restored as part of irrigation programs. The construction of 106 facilities has been completed, work is ongoing at 11 facilities, and project documentation has been prepared for another 24 facilities.
He explained that inter-farm channels are under the ministry's balance, while intra-farm channels previously belonged to local authorities. During the inventory and documentation process, the ayil okmotu will be able to transfer such channels for technical maintenance to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Overall, he stated that more than 550 km of channels have been repaired, and work is also underway to repair hydroposts, funded by the Water Resources Service.
Additionally, in 2025, 43 water intake wells that had long been unused were restored.
Kerimaliev announced the launch of a new production of concrete mats for lining channels. The plant has already started operating, and in 2025, 342,000 square meters of channels were lined using this material. The mat hardens after water flows in and is comparable in strength to regular concrete, while not requiring pouring.
This technology was first tested in the Chui region and has since been implemented in all regions of the country to reduce water losses, which remain a serious problem due to the large number of earthen channels.
Moreover, together with the ayil okmotu and water user associations, 118 abandoned irrigation facilities have been identified. Work is currently underway to formalize and transfer them to state ownership. 33 pumping stations, 36 wells, as well as 20 BSR and BDR facilities have already been transferred to the state balance.
