Farmers in the Sairam district are grappling with a devastating shortage of irrigation water, resulting in massive crop losses. The primary source of irrigation, the Aksu River, is being diverted to other regions, leaving local fields parched and crops rotting in the ground.
According to local farmers, the situation has reached a catastrophic level. Takhirzhan Nartayev, a potato farmer with over a decade of experience, reports complete failure of his potato crop on a hectare plot. The financial implications are staggering – seed costs alone amounted to approximately 1.5 million tenge, not including other production expenses.
The crisis extends beyond potato farms. At least ten villages are affected, with farmers reporting failed harvests of potatoes, onions, apples, and alfalfa. The situation is compounded by the lack of rainfall and inadequate water distribution systems.
Local officials acknowledge the severity of the problem, stating that water supplies have decreased by 2.5 times compared to previous years. They claim to allocate water to Sairam farmers every four days, but this is insufficient to meet the needs of all affected areas.
Regional Implications
The current water crisis highlights several systemic issues in the region’s agricultural sector:
- Inefficient water distribution systems
- Lack of contingency plans for drought conditions
- Insufficient storage capacity for irrigation water
- Inter-regional conflicts over water resources
- Limited access to alternative irrigation methods
Potential Solutions
To mitigate the impact of future water shortages, several measures could be implemented:
- Development of decentralized water storage facilities
- Implementation of drip irrigation and other water-saving technologies
- Regional cooperation on water distribution planning
- Investment in desalination and water purification technologies
- Crop diversification to include more drought-resistant varieties
The current water crisis in Turkestan region underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water management reforms. Without immediate action to address the root causes of the problem, the livelihoods of thousands of farming families remain at risk, with potentially severe economic and social consequences for the entire region.
