Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov visited water infrastructure facilities of Turkestan region, where he got acquainted with the progress of modernisation of hydraulic structures in the region, and also heard a report on measures to develop agro-industrial complex.

During the visit to Turan Su, attention was paid to the issue of overhaul of water facilities in the region. On the balance sheet of the enterprise there are 18 reservoirs, 3 hydrosystems, 3 main and 103 inter-farm canals. Head of the Government was reported on measures to implement the Comprehensive Plan for the restoration of irrigation systems in Turkestan region due to the high degree of wear and tear. To date, the akimat has developed design and estimate documentation for 17 water bodies in need of priority repair. Along with this, the construction of reservoirs "Baidibek Ata" with a capacity of 68 million cubic metres and "Boraldai" with a capacity of 45 million cubic metres is underway.

On the territory of the reservoir "Koskorgan" in the city of Kentau Olzhas Bektenov familiarised himself with the current state of the hydraulic structure. According to the results of the survey in 2021-2022 was established unsatisfactory level of the reservoir. In this regard, design and estimate documentation has been developed and a favourable opinion of the state expertise has been obtained for the major overhaul of the reservoir "Koskorgan". Head of the Government was also informed that in Turkestan region the reservoir "Kensai-Koskorgan-2" for 18.5 million cubic metres of water has been built. This year the construction of the reservoir "Baidibek Ata" begins, which in the future will function as a regulator for filling the Bogen reservoir. As a result, an additional 68 million cubic metres of water will be delivered during the growing season, which will guarantee irrigation water supply to 6 districts and cities of the region.

"As we know, the main water deficit is formed in the southern regions of the country. This problem exists not only in our republic, but also in neighbouring states. Most importantly, we should save water. As the head of state said, a culture of water saving should be formed. This is an important task in which all organisations should participate," Olzhas Bektenov said and instructed to take measures for timely financing of projects, as well as to work out the issue of phased construction of additional reservoirs and irrigation canals.

Then, Olzhas Bektenov visited the site of sowing field on the territory of the enterprise "Turkistan Agro XXI". Prime Minister inspected modern irrigation systems. Today sprinkling technology is installed on 733 hectares of land, this figure is planned to be increased to 1 thousand hectares. In order to provide a fodder base on this land plot annual spring and autumn field work with sowing of alfalfa, corn silage and winter wheat is carried out.

Here Head of the Government was also reported on measures taken in the region to develop agro-industrial complex and implementation of investment projects in the sphere, as well as on the progress of spring field works. Turkestan region provides 13% of gross agricultural output. 35 per cent of all agro-formations, or more than 80 thousand objects, are functioning here. A quarter of the irrigated area of the country is in Turkestan region.

Deputy Akim of Turkestan region Ermek Kenzhekhanuly said that in 2024-2026 in the region it is planned to implement 105 projects in the agro-industrial complex for a total of 507 billion tenge with the creation of 8.3 thousand jobs. Of these, 45 projects worth 114 billion tenge will be implemented this year. In addition, within the framework of the Concept of development of water resources management system of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024-2030 in the region for this year provides for the introduction of water-saving technologies on 22 thousand hectares, with further expansion to 2028 on 216.3 thousand hectares.

"On the instructions of the Head of State, the Government annually allocates significant funds to support domestic agricultural producers. We will continue to assist in the implementation of projects in the agro-industrial complex. However, budget funds should be used as efficiently as possible," Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Agroindustrial complex #Working trip #water resources