A new water-efficient irrigation technology is being tested in the Almaty
region. The amount of water required for irrigation is now calculated by an
AI-powered digital system rather than by human operators. This enables fully
automated irrigation management and improves water-use efficiency. Smart water
meters are also being introduced in other regions of Kazakhstan. In the
Kyzylorda region, automated irrigation systems are currently being tested on
rice fields. Modern digital tools not only monitor water consumption but also
generate analytical data to support more effective management decisions. If the
pilot systems deliver significant water savings, they will be rolled out across
all rice paddies in the Kyzylorda region.
«As
you know, southern and southeastern Kazakhstan are largely arid regions, and
farmers here face a shortage of irrigation water. We showcased a pilot site
where a smart irrigation system is being tested. Drones survey the entire area
to identify where more irrigation is needed, while soil moisture sensors
monitor conditions on the ground. Based on this data, the system determines
exactly how much water each hectare needs, ensuring precise water application,»
said Sholpan Bastaubayeva, Chair of the
Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing.
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