INTERNATIONAL TRENDS
yields, better water efficiency and overall sustainability — at the same time?
In Central Asia, the agriculture sector’s exposure to production and price risk is increasing. Climate change is increasing production risks in the short- to medium- term by increasing the frequency and severity of droughts and floods and in the longer-term by reducing the availability of water for irrigation due to accelerated glacial melt. The modernization and commercialization of agricultural production and processing, which is critical for sector growth, also raises the sector’s exposure to price risk at a time of high volatility on international markets for agricultural commodities.
An effective response to these risks requires a broader, more integrated approach for Kazakhstan, such as
• better land use diversification. • more crop diversification.
• precision irrigation technology. • local farmers trained in responsible water management.
• a modernized canal system.
Valley Irrigation is supporting the Kazakh government in improving their existing canal system, parts of which have not been used to their full potential. At the request of Minister Mirzgaliyev, members of the Daugherty Water for Food Institute recently visited Kazakhstan to examine the water scarcity situation within the Arys River basin and the Turkistan Canal.
In addition, Valley recently announced a joint venture with private holding company Kusto Group. The strategic, multiyear project will improve sustainability and resource conservation, introduce advanced farm technology to local farmers in the region, and serve as the foundation for making the country an agricultural hub in Central Asia. The agreement will also reduce irrigation costs
for growers by 50%, add 77,000 permanent new jobs to the Kazakh economy and result in the purchase of 4,000 irrigation machines over the next 12 years.
“Kazakhstan has tremendous potential to be an agricultural leader in Central Asia. The government of Kazakhstan is looking to Valley to support implementation of best practices for farming that are sustainable and that produce higher and better yields while using fewer resources,” says Josh Dixon, Valley vice president and general manager of international irrigation. “This collaboration is an honor to participate in, as it is economically beneficial for all parties involved and will bring food security and economic diversification to Central Asia’s agricultural sector.”
Ruediger Claas accounts, international irrigation and Kazakhstan project advisor at Valmont Industries Inc.
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