The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, expressed concern about the potential shortage of irrigation water in the southern regions of the country during the 2026 growing season. Forecasts indicate a significant decrease in the water flow of the Syr Darya and Talas rivers compared to long-term averages.
The situation with the Toktogul Reservoir in Kyrgyzstan is a focal point for the Kazakh government. Currently, its volume is 1.5 cubic kilometers less than last year. According to Nurzhigitov, due to the energy shortage, the reservoir is operating in active discharge mode, which may lead to a reduction in water supply to the fields of Turkestan region as "Toktogul" transitions to accumulation mode by early spring.
A complicated situation is also observed in the Shu-Talas basin, where the volume of the Kirov Reservoir is one and a half times less than last year's figures. April forecasts indicate that Kazakhstan will be able to provide only 285 million cubic meters of water in this basin, which is significantly below the needs of farmers in the Zhambyl region.
In light of the drought risk, the authorities of Kazakhstan are implementing strict restrictions:
The akimats of the southern regions have been instructed to closely monitor water intake. In Turkestan region, it is recommended to completely prohibit rice planting along the "Dostyk" canal. In Kyzylorda region, rice planting will be limited to 70 thousand hectares.
Currently, Kazakh agencies are transitioning to accumulation mode in their reservoirs to ensure resources for the upcoming harvest.
