According to the ministry, this year's growing season may be at risk due to a significant decrease in water inflow to rivers, especially in the southern regions of the country. The level of water storage in reservoirs on the upper reaches of the Syr Darya River in neighboring countries is 3.2 billion cubic meters lower than expected by 2025, while in the southern regions, the volume of water in reservoirs has decreased by approximately 1.9 billion cubic meters as of January 12, 2026.
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Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized that the decrease in water reserves is linked to a complex of long-term factors, such as reduced precipitation, decreased glacial runoff, and the consequences of climate change. This requires the state to systematically adapt to new conditions.
The minister also announced the start of preparations for the irrigation season, including repair work on irrigation canals and hydraulic structures, as well as informing agricultural producers about water-saving methods and transitioning to crops that require less moisture.
In February of this year, it is planned to revise water usage limits considering the most unfavorable scenarios for water inflow, and in March, the Ministry of Agriculture will adjust the structure of sown areas based on the current water situation.
Additionally, control over illegal use of water resources is being strengthened. An interdepartmental working group has been established with the participation of law enforcement agencies to address this issue.
