Kazakhstan faces 1 bln cubic meter irrigation water deficit in south
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Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozymbayev warned the government that irrigation water shortages in southern regions could reach 1 billion cubic meters. Water inflow to the Shardara reservoir has dropped by 43%, and reserves in the Naryn-Syr Darya cascade are 3.8 billion cubic meters below last year's levels.
Water Deficit Forecast
Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozymbayev reported at a government meeting that the irrigation water deficit in southern Kazakhstan may reach 1 billion cubic meters. Inflow to the Shardara reservoir has decreased by 43%, while major reservoirs in the Naryn-Syr Darya cascade hold 3.8 billion cubic meters less than last year. The shortfall threatens agricultural output in key farming regions.
Reservoir Levels
The Naryn-Syr Darya cascade's large reservoirs have seen a significant drop in water reserves, down 3.8 billion cubic meters year-on-year. The Shardara reservoir, a critical source for irrigation, is receiving 43% less inflow. These declines compound the pressure on water supplies for the upcoming growing season.
Gas Transit Volume Milestone
Over 120 billion cubic meters of natural gas have been transported via the Kazakhstan-China pipeline route, according to Jibek Joly TV. The pipeline serves as a transit corridor for Central Asian gas to European Union and Russian markets.
What's Next
The government is expected to discuss mitigation measures, including water rationing and alternative supply sources. It remains unclear whether the deficit will be fully covered or if crop yields will be affected.
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Kazakhstan faces 1 bln cubic meter irrigation water deficit in south
