According to the minister, this year there is a risk of a significant decrease in water inflow to rivers, which will particularly affect the southern regions. The level of water storage in reservoirs located in the upper reaches of the Syr Darya River in neighboring countries is 3.2 billion cubic meters below the planned level for 2025, while in the reservoirs of the southern regions, the water volume has decreased by 1.9 billion cubic meters as of January 12, 2026.
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Nurzhigitov emphasized that the deterioration of water reserves is linked to several long-term factors, such as a decrease in precipitation, reduced glacier runoff, and the impact of climate change. These circumstances, in his opinion, require the country to adopt adaptive measures to the new conditions.
The minister also reported that preparations for the irrigation season have begun: currently, work is underway to repair irrigation channels and hydraulic structures. Agricultural producers are being informed about water conservation issues and are being recommended to cultivate less water-intensive crops.
In February of this year, it is planned to develop revised water use limits that take into account the worst-case scenario for water inflow, and in March, the Ministry of Agriculture will adjust the structure of sown areas depending on the current water situation.
Additionally, control over illegal use of water resources is being strengthened, which includes the establishment of an interagency working group involving law enforcement agencies.
