The Deputy Minister of Agriculture spoke about the development of irrigation in Kyrgyzstan
He emphasized that water plays a critically important role not only for agriculture but also for other sectors, and in agricultural production, it is as significant as weather conditions. In this regard, a program has been developed covering five key areas, among which irrigation and access to clean water are of primary importance.
According to Kerimaliev, large-scale projects are being implemented in the field of irrigation, and significant changes have been observed following the reforms. He also added that the development of the irrigation system is impossible without the participation of many parties, including farmers, local specialists, and government leadership.
“The issues of agriculture receive significant attention from the president and the Cabinet of Ministers, who allocate the necessary financial resources for improving irrigation systems and ensuring drinking water,” he noted.
The First Deputy Minister reported that as part of irrigation activities, many channels have been restored by 2025. The construction of 106 facilities has been completed, work is ongoing on 11 of them, and design documentation has already been prepared for 24 facilities.
He clarified that inter-farm channels are under the ministry's balance, while previously intra-farm channels were under the jurisdiction of municipalities. During the inventory and documentation process, the village councils will be able to transfer these channels for technical maintenance to the Ministry of Agriculture.
In total, as Kerimaliev noted, more than 550 km of channels have been repaired, and the restoration of hydroposts is also underway. All work is financed from the resources of the Water Resources Service.
In 2025, 43 water intake wells that had not been serviced for a long time were restored.
Kerimaliev also reported on the launch of a new production of concrete fabric for lining channels. The plant has already been put into operation, and in 2025, this material was used to line 342,000 square meters of channels. This fabric hardens upon contact with water and is comparable in strength to cement, while not requiring concrete pouring.
The method was first tested in the Chui region and then implemented nationwide to reduce water losses, which is a major problem due to the large number of earthen channels.
Additionally, in collaboration with village councils and water user associations, 118 abandoned irrigation facilities have been identified. Currently, work is underway to formalize and transfer them to state ownership. Already, 33 pumping stations, 36 wells, and 20 facilities of BSR and BDR have been transferred to the state balance.
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