According to him, out of 86 thousand hectares of winter crops, a significant portion was sown on non-irrigated lands; however, the yield meets the forecasts.
Tashtanov noted that during the growing season, water that is usually not utilized is used. In spring, when all crops begin to grow actively and require irrigation, the load on water resources increases. However, the main water needs for winter crops have already been met earlier, which allows for a reduction in peak load on irrigation systems.
Speaking about upcoming plans, he emphasized that the construction of 106 new facilities is being financed on the president's orders, and work is already actively underway to accumulate and preserve water resources.
Tashtanov also reported that most existing irrigation systems and reservoirs were built in the 1950s and 1960s. In this regard, work is being carried out in three main directions.
The first direction is the construction of new facilities to ensure water supply for agricultural crops, populated areas, and social institutions.
The second direction is related to the rehabilitation and restoration of existing reservoirs. Many of them have silted over time and cannot accumulate water in design volumes. The completion of construction and reconstruction of 12 facilities is planned for 2025. As Tashtanov noted, in terms of volume and quality, such reconstruction is practically comparable to new construction.
He added that old reservoirs, created during the Soviet era with earthen bases, today lose a significant amount of water due to filtration. Modern technologies are currently being applied, including covering the inner surface with a special membrane, which significantly reduces losses and increases the efficiency of water accumulation.
