Idrisov noted that the decrease in water reserves is part of a global problem. "Every year our water resources are becoming less, this is a global trend," he said.
The Ministry has identified several key areas of work in this sphere. First of all, the modernization of existing irrigation systems and reservoirs is being carried out, many of which were built back in the 1950s and 60s.
Additionally, agricultural crops are being reviewed with an emphasis on water consumption. In conditions of water scarcity, the ministry recommends that farmers switch to drought-resistant crops that require less irrigation.
In addition to this, water consumption planning is underway. If last year the total consumption was 5 billion 767 million cubic meters, then for the growing season of 2026, 6 billion 303 million cubic meters are planned.
To optimize the distribution of water resources, regional and district headquarters have been established to ensure the even and rational use of irrigation water. Last year, water shortages were observed in the Chui and Talas regions, as well as in the southern regions of the country.
Reference
As of December 31, 2025, the volume of water in the Toktogul Reservoir was 9,497 million cubic meters, which is 49% of its total capacity. This data is presented in the report on the reservoirs of the republic.
In the last month, the volume of water in the Toktogul Reservoir decreased by 1,133 million cubic meters. For comparison, at the end of 2024, this figure was 11,233 million cubic meters, which corresponded to 58% of the total volume.
In the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, as of December 31, 2025, the volume of water was 169 million cubic meters, or 36%. Over the month, this figure increased by 74.6 million cubic meters. A year earlier, the volume of water here was 345 million cubic meters, which corresponded to 73%.
The volume of water in the Kirov Reservoir at the end of 2025 was 202 million cubic meters, or 37%. Over the month, it increased by 71 million cubic meters. At the end of 2024, this reservoir had 422 million cubic meters of water, which corresponded to 77%.
Thus, compared to the same period last year, the volume of water in all three reservoirs has decreased, despite the increase in reserves in the Orto-Tokoy and Kirov reservoirs in December.
