On February 1, Kubanychbek Kulov, the former director of the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation, celebrates his 75th birthday. In his reflections, he touches upon one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century — the melting of glaciers and the future of the country's water resources. Kulov also expresses his recognition of 80-year-old Vitaly Shablovsky, a "phenomenon," whose developments in the field of water resource management automation are in demand both in the CIS and on the international stage.
Automation of Water Management in the USSR
In 1973, the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Water Management was designated as the central scientific institution for the automation of irrigation systems across the entire Soviet Union. The institute transformed into the All-Union Research Institute for the Comprehensive Automation of Irrigation Systems (VNIIKAMS) and employed over 800 staff members. During this time, a school of systems engineers and programmers was actively forming in the republic.
The laboratory, led by the young Shablovsky, began its work by creating microprocessor devices for pumping stations, and together with programmers L. P. Gerashchenko and L. S. Mikheeva, developed chips for printed circuit boards, which allowed for the automation of the largest pumping stations in Kyrgyzstan, Crimea, and other regions of the USSR.
Automation as the Foundation of Food Security
After the collapse of the USSR, VNIIKAMS became part of the Kyrgyz Republic and was renamed the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Irrigation. Since then, Shablovsky's laboratory has focused on developing automated systems for water accounting and distribution. In the arid climate of Kyrgyzstan, irrigation has become critically important, as 1 million hectares of irrigated land form the basis of the country's food security.
The first tests of new systems were conducted in the Kochkor, Batken, and Panfilov districts. Currently, Shablovsky continues to develop the "ASUvod KR" system, utilizing modern software solutions and wireless technologies, with the prospect of transitioning to intelligent autonomous systems. Since 2022, with the support of the Minister of Agriculture and a government order from the Water Resources Service, implementation has begun in the Chui region.
Shablovsky and His Influence on Central Asia
The technologies developed by Shablovsky have also found application beyond Kyrgyzstan. In 2018–2019, the automated system was successfully implemented in Kazakhstan at the Baykadam hydro facility (Syr Darya River), and in Turkmenistan, it has been operational on the transboundary Murghab River and the Karakum Canal in 2022–2023. Software support is provided by the key programmer of the laboratory, Eva Germanovna Polyak.
Prospects for Water Resources Until 2100
Automation is becoming vital in the context of global climate change. Forecasts for the 2030s suggest a reduction in river flow, and by the 2050s, a sharp decline in water resources is expected. This will negatively impact all sectors, including:
- Agriculture: food security will be at risk.
- Construction and light industry: sectors that require significant labor and energy resources.
- Tourism: a decrease in the variety of agricultural products will reduce the attractiveness of services.
- Gene pool: deteriorating nutrition quality will affect the health of future generations.
The only solution is to utilize the systems developed by Shablovsky. Electronic sensors can monitor 28 thousand kilometers of canals around the clock, ensuring accounting for every liter and prompt distribution of water among 450 thousand farms.
Precision Agriculture as the Key to High Yields
According to ADB research, temperatures in the region will rise by 3 degrees every 40 years. By 2100, some rivers may completely dry up. Scientists aim to double the yields of wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets, which is only possible through "precision agriculture."
The world record for wheat yield is 170 quintals per hectare, while in Kyrgyzstan, the Agricultural Research Institute has achieved 110 quintals, whereas the national average is about 30 quintals. Transitioning to the "ASUvodPROD" system (irrigation based on sensors with simultaneous fertilizer application) will allow for maximum utilization of the biological potential of plants.
Reforms for Effective Technology Implementation
For the successful application of ASU, it is necessary to consolidate fields, increasing their area from 1–5 hectares to 20–100 hectares. Irrigation systems were designed with large areas in mind. The optimal solution is to unite small farmers around large agro-clusters and create Scientific and Production Associations (NPOs), as is done in Israeli kibbutzim, where collective labor and shared infrastructure help overcome water supply issues.
Technological Sovereignty and New Approaches in Science
Vitaly Shablovsky is an example of a scientist who prioritizes the practical application of his developments over publications in foreign journals. He consciously protects the secrets of his technologies for Kyrgyzstan, contributing to the country's technological sovereignty.
There is a proposal to revise the Science Law to:
- Award a candidate degree for creating a "prototype."
- Award a doctoral degree for successful "production testing."
- Establish priority bonuses for technical and biological sciences.
The future of public administration should be based on digital models of water basins. The akim or minister should have the ability to see current information on a display in real-time, making decisions based on data rather than paper reports.
Vitaly Iosifovich, we thank you for your example! You demonstrate how theory turns into practice, ensuring a bright future for our descendants until 2100."
