Uzbekistan has agreed to supply an additional 500 million cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan, extending support until the end of the irrigation season. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan confirmed this development, emphasizing the significance of this move for Kazakhstan’s agriculture, particularly in the southern regions.
Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan water supply
Since April 1, Uzbekistan has provided over 4 billion cubic meters of water through the Syrdarya River. Initially, an agreement was reached between Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, and Uzbekistan to supply 3.7 billion cubic meters. However, Uzbekistan has exceeded this amount, supplying the agreed volume within just four months. This additional water is crucial for sustaining agriculture in Kazakhstan’s southern regions, where irrigation needs are high.
Currently, the Shardarinskoye reservoir in Kazakhstan holds 1.5 billion cubic meters of water, which is about 500 million cubic meters more than the previous year. This increase highlights the effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s water supply efforts.
Additionally, 4.5 billion cubic meters of water have been discharged from the Shardarinskoye reservoir into the lower reaches of the Syrdarya River, marking an increase of 1 billion cubic meters compared to last year. Of this, more than 850 million cubic meters were directed into the Kyzylkum Canal, while over 590 million cubic meters of water flowed into the northern Aral Sea, reflecting a balanced and efficient distribution of water resources between the two countries.
This ongoing collaboration between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is vital for ensuring that agricultural regions remain productive and sustainable, especially during the critical irrigation season. The extra water supply will help safeguard crops and support the livelihoods of farmers across the southern regions of Kazakhstan, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
