Kazakhstan plans to increase the area of irrigated land using water-saving technologies to 1.3 million hectares by 2030. This will save up to 2.2 billion cubic meters of water annually. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
This was stated by Vice Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova during the 33rd Yangling Agricultural Exhibition in China's Shaanxi Province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. At the roundtable of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on modern agriculture development, the vice minister noted that efficient use of water resources and the introduction of modern irrigation technologies are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan amid climate change and water scarcity.
"We believe that combining the scientific, technological and production potential of SCO member states will enable the rapid introduction of effective solutions, increase agricultural productivity and ensure rational use of water resources. Cooperation must be aimed at concrete results and respond to the needs of agricultural producers," said Nazgul Khatepova.
874 million cubic meters of water saved in Kazakhstan
Currently, the country has 1.6 million hectares of irrigated land. Water-saving technologies are used on 702,300 hectares of this area. This accounts for approximately 44% of the total irrigated area. According to the results of 2025, about 874 million cubic meters of water were saved through the use of modern irrigation systems.
The state is strengthening financial support to encourage farms to transition to water-saving technologies. In particular, the level of reimbursement for the purchase and installation of water-saving systems has been increased from 60% to 80%. The share of subsidies for irrigation water costs for farms using such systems has been raised from 50% to 85%. In addition, 214.6 billion tenge is planned to be allocated for investment subsidies in water-saving technologies in 2026–2028.
Proposal to create a regional platform under the SCO
Nazgul Khatepova proposed considering the creation of a regional platform for exchanging experience on water-saving technologies among SCO countries. Its work could involve government agencies, research institutes, agricultural universities, equipment manufacturers and agricultural producers. Such a platform would facilitate the dissemination of advanced agricultural technologies, joint research and field trials, technology exchange and training of specialists needed for the agricultural sector.
The main areas of cooperation include the introduction of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, development of precision farming, digital monitoring of soil moisture, automated irrigation management and prevention of soil salinization.
"In the agricultural sector of SCO countries, there are ample opportunities to combine scientific knowledge, advanced technologies, investments and experience. Our common task is not only to exchange new developments but also to apply them in practice, taking into account the natural and climatic characteristics of each country and the needs of agricultural producers," the vice minister noted.
During the trip, the Kazakh delegation visited the pavilions of the 33rd Yangling Agricultural Exhibition and got acquainted with agricultural machinery, innovative technologies and modern solutions for improving the efficiency of agricultural production.