The first phase of testing an innovative chemical substance designed in Hungary to save water in agriculture has been successfully completed in Kazakhstan. The tests were conducted by four research and development centers in collaboration with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
Kazakhstani scientists evaluated the substance’s ability to retain soil moisture and enhance crop yields under different climatic conditions. The results showed that water consumption on rice paddies decreased by 37%, requiring only 51 days for watering instead of 90. Similarly, water consumption for sugar beet and corn dropped by 23.9% and 28.7%, respectively.
According to Minister of Water Resources Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, the next testing phase will be conducted on large-scale cultivated lands.
«To achieve this, we need to meet farmers, show them the test results and provide explanatory information about the benefits of this technology. The demand for irrigation water increases yearly, which makes Kazakhstani farmers increasingly interested in adopting advanced water-saving methods,» he emphasized.
Representatives of the Hungarian Soil Solution company confirmed their readiness to establish a manufacturing plant in Kazakhstan if the substance gains significant demand among local farmers.
«This will reduce transportation costs, making the substance significantly cheaper. Additionally, it will let Kazakhstan export this product abroad,» Daniel Repassy from Soil Solution said.
In recent years, Kazakhstanis have been trying to reduce water consumption as water tariffs have been constantly growing. In 2023, the water ministry announced an initiative to educate female farmers on efficient water management to help prevent shortages of this vital resource.
