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MarketPublished November 1, 2026

Zhambyl Region Expands Water-Saving Irrigation and Upgrades Canals

Zhambyl Region expanded its water-saving irrigation area by 10.4 thousand hectares this year to reach 76.8 thousand hectares, with drip irrigation adding 8.2 thousand hectares. The region is also repairing and reconstructing key irrigation canals across multiple districts.

Zhambyl Region Expands Water-Saving Irrigation and Upgrades Canals

Illustration: AI-generated, not a real photo.

Abdirasil Zheleubayev, head of the regional agriculture department, reported on the adoption of water-saving methods and the progress of irrigation infrastructure renewal.

What is the scale of water-saving irrigation in Zhambyl Region?

According to the agriculture department, water-saving technology now covers 76.8 thousand hectares in the region. This year, drip irrigation was installed across 8.2 thousand hectares, sprinkler systems covered 750 hectares, and laser land leveling was carried out on 1.5 thousand hectares. Total sown area across the region reached 654.9 thousand hectares—15 thousand hectares more than last year—including 200.4 thousand hectares of irrigated farmland.

By year-end, the region plans to produce about 3.6 million tonnes of agricultural output, including 2.1 million tonnes of priority crops grown on irrigated land.

What is the current progress on irrigation canal repairs?

Six canals are undergoing repairs financed by republican and local budgets at a total cost of 5.5 billion tenge. Five facilities are situated in the Zhualy district and one in the Korday district. The total length of canal sections requiring rehabilitation is 43.23 kilometers, with 10.7 kilometers completed so far.

In addition, the Zhambyl branch of RSE "Kazvodkhoz" is carrying out extensive irrigation network reconstruction under programs funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with plans to upgrade 105 canals in total.

How many canals are being upgraded under international financial projects?

According to the department, the Islamic Development Bank program covers the reconstruction of 65 canals. Construction is underway on 40 sites, with 27 canals scheduled for commissioning before the 2027 growing season. Under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development program, 40 canals are scheduled for modernization; work has commenced on 16 sites, and 24 canals are planned for completion before the next growing season. The two programs employ 329 units of machinery and 729 workers.

FAQ

Rules related to this news

### What is the total water-saving irrigation area in Zhambyl Region?
According to the agriculture department, the area reached 76.8 thousand hectares, an increase of 10.4 thousand hectares year-on-year.

### How much did drip and sprinkler irrigation expand?
Drip irrigation grew by 8.2 thousand hectares, and sprinkler irrigation expanded by 750 hectares.

### What is the cost of repairing the six canals?
According to the agriculture department, the total cost of the work is 5.5 billion tenge.

### How many canals are planned for modernization under the two international programs?
A total of 105 canals: 65 under the Islamic Development Bank program and 40 under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development program.

### Is this news related to China?
The source does not mention Chinese companies, and no inferences are made in the article.

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