The cost of the innovative project amounted to 2.8 billion tenge. Currently, the new facility produces everything necessary for drip irrigation. It is expected that the annual output of equipment will enable the economical cultivation of agricultural crops over an area of up to 20,000 hectares. At present, 30 people are employed in permanent positions here. It is anticipated that once full capacity is reached, the number of staff will double.
The head of the company, Fu Bin, stated that the project implementation began last year. The production consists of four lines for manufacturing pipes from polyvinyl chloride resin PVC-U/PVC-M. These lines process up to 30 tons of raw materials daily. Additionally, two lines are engaged in the production of drip tape made from polyethylene resin, amounting to approximately 600,000 meters per day.
One of the key characteristics of the pipes and tapes is their durability. Their lifespan can reach up to 40 years. All plastic products manufactured through extrusion are characterized by high mechanical strength, chemical and corrosion resistance, as well as physiological safety. Notably, similar technologies have been successfully used for many years in Israel, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, the USA, Australia, Japan, China, South Africa, and France.
– During my working trip to the region, – Fu Bin said in an interview, – I had the opportunity to discuss with Deputy Akim of the region Abulkhair Tamabek and the chairman of the board of JSC "Social Entrepreneurial Corporation Taraz" Berik Manasov. This meeting facilitated the establishment of close business ties and the launch of the factory.
The director of the enterprise noted that currently, not many farmers in the region utilize water-saving technologies, but he is confident that this situation will change over time. Therefore, the company's products will remain in demand in the domestic market for a long time. Moreover, there are plans to establish supplies to other countries in the future.
In his speech at an expanded government meeting, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasized that “...the shortage of water resources is escalating not only in Kazakhstan but also in Central Asia as a whole. Therefore, the issue of implementing water-saving technologies is urgent.” The head of state also mentioned neighboring China, which has great potential in this area. In this context, the launch of the drip irrigation systems factory appears very timely.
It is noteworthy that the new enterprise is already prepared for the upcoming growing season. Farmers in Zhambyl will be provided with everything necessary for irrigating agricultural land covering up to 6,000 hectares. In addition, the company offers farming households equipment for drilling water wells.
The Akim of the region, Yerbol Karashukeev, upon familiarizing himself with the new production, emphasized that, thanks to the comprehensive support of the Head of State, systemic steps are being taken in the republic to improve the conditions for investors, and the opening of the factory is a vivid confirmation of this.
– The production of drip irrigation systems is an important and necessary step for the development of the agricultural sector and the economy of the region as a whole, – noted the regional head.
Yerbol Karashukeev is confident that the implementation of water-saving irrigation technologies will reduce water consumption and increase yields. The Akim assured that the enterprise would receive all necessary support, pointed out the importance of the right price-quality ratio, and emphasized the need to involve local residents in the workforce.
He also mentioned that during his working trip to China, he had the opportunity to learn about the production of large thermal pipes and suggested to the investor company to consider the possibility of organizing similar production in the region. Fu Bin reported that this issue is included in the company's plans.
As of today, the area of irrigated land in the region amounts to 181.8 thousand hectares, of which 127.3 thousand hectares, or 70.9%, are irrigated by surface methods. Sprinkler systems are used over an area of 28.5 thousand hectares, while drip irrigation is employed on 11.5 thousand hectares.
Last year, water-saving technologies were implemented over an area of 15.2 thousand hectares. In the upcoming season, it is planned to add another 10 thousand hectares, which will bring the total area of irrigated land in the region to 64.5 thousand hectares.