Post by : Shakul

Kyrgyzstan has moved forward with plans to strengthen its water management and irrigation systems after high-level discussions between government officials and representatives of the World Bank and the International Development Association. The talks focused on attracting major investments into the country’s water sector to support agriculture, infrastructure development, and food security.

The meeting was led by Erlist Akunbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry. Officials discussed several important projects aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure and ensuring more efficient use of water resources across the country.

One of the main topics during the discussions was the proposed National Irrigation Investment Program. Under the draft program, Kyrgyzstan hopes to secure financing worth approximately 193 million US dollars. The proposed investment would help modernize irrigation networks, improve water supply systems, and support agricultural productivity in different regions of the country.

Government representatives explained that the irrigation investment program is considered a key part of Kyrgyzstan’s long-term economic and agricultural development strategy. Authorities believe modern irrigation systems are necessary to improve crop production, support rural communities, and strengthen national food security amid changing climate conditions.

The meeting also focused on two important regional irrigation projects. Officials reviewed plans for preparing design and estimate documents for the Omuko Irrigation Canal in the At-Bashy district of Naryn Region and the Chon Talas Canal in the Bakai-Ata and Aitmatov districts of Talas Region.

According to officials, grant funding worth 650,000 US dollars will be allocated for the preparation of these technical documents. The projects are expected to improve irrigation capacity in agricultural areas that rely heavily on stable water supplies for farming activities and local economic growth.

Representatives from the World Bank and the International Development Association expressed support for Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to modernize its water infrastructure. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and ensure that future investments are implemented effectively and sustainably.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Erlist Akunbekov and representatives of the World Bank signed official protocols outlining the agreements and future cooperation plans reached during the negotiations. The signing marked another step in Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to attract international financial support for infrastructure and agricultural development projects.

Officials said improving irrigation systems and water management remains a top priority for the Kyrgyz government as the country continues working to strengthen food production, rural development, and long-term economic stability.

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