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Farmers in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan are facing a severe shortage of irrigation water just as the crucial planting season begins. This situation highlights a growing scarcity of water resources in the region and raises concerns about the potential impact on agricultural output and food security.

Sudden Water Cut-off Sparks Alarm

In the Kordai district, farmers received the stark news of an impending water deficit only days before they were set to start planting. Local authorities advised them to consider cultivating crops with lower water needs. However, many farmers had already invested in seeds and finalized their planting plans, making such a shift impractical.

Traditionally, the region relies on water-intensive crops like corn and alfalfa, which require consistent irrigation three times during the growing season for optimal yields. While water access has become more challenging in recent years, farmers have managed to secure harvests until now.

"Kazvodkhoz" Agency Under Scrutiny

Nikolay Cherpak, a representative of the "Vostok" farm, acknowledged the water shortage but questioned why permission was granted to plant water-hungry crops like onions. He suggested that the "Kazvodkhoz" agency, responsible for water distribution, might be intentionally exacerbating the problem for farmers.

Kyrgyzstan: The Primary Water Source

Approximately 80% of the Zhambyl region's water supply originates from neighboring Kyrgyzstan. This reliance means that disruptions in water delivery are a recurring issue. Representatives from "Kazvodkhoz" stated that the water collected in reservoirs during winter is insufficient to meet demand, particularly affecting farmers located far from water sources who cultivate corn and alfalfa.

Bagdat Beisenkulov, deputy director of the Zhambyl regional branch of "Kazvodkhoz," confirmed that around 1,000 farmers across the Bailyk, Talas, and Zhambyl districts are expected to face water shortages this year. He noted that some farmers in the Kordai district have land near alternative water channels, allowing for irrigation without significant obstacles.

Potential Food Security Crisis Looms

Forecasts indicate that the Orto-Tokoy reservoir in Kyrgyzstan holds 100 million cubic meters less water this year compared to the previous one. The total allocated water between the two countries is expected to be 350 million cubic meters. This reduced water availability could potentially escalate into a food security crisis.

Water management specialists suggest that constructing new reservoirs in the region could alleviate the situation, but these projects have yet to commence.

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