ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 19. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will allocate a grant of $5.3 million for the modernization of the irrigation sector in Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the country’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The corresponding financial agreement was signed by Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, and Ruslan Dalenov, Deputy Chairman of the EDB.
According to the ministry, the project will span several years and aims to create a National Water Resources Information System, introduce forecasting tools and optimal water distribution methods, establish regional modern irrigation centers, sharpen the skills of experts, and roll out water-saving technologies.
Nurzhigitov noted that the initiative is aimed at developing irrigation systems and improving water usage efficiency in Kazakhstan.
To address water scarcity and climate change, Kazakhstan's irrigation programs modernize infrastructure, extend irrigated land, and use water-saving technologies. Restoring canals and drainage systems, building reservoirs, and installing drip and sprinkler irrigation are major undertakings. These government plans aim to increase irrigated land to 2.5 million hectares by 2030.
The EDB is a multilateral development bank that has been investing across the Eurasian region for over 19 years, promoting economic integration and comprehensive development among its member countries. As of July 2025, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio includes 319 projects with total investments amounting to $19.1 billion.
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