The first phase of testing a Hungarian water-saving product has been completed in Kazakhstan, reports Kazpravda.kz
At the initiative of the Ministry of Water, four research institutes participated in the trials. These include the "Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Water Management" in Taraz, the "Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Rice Cultivation named after I. Zhakhaev" in Kyzylorda, the "Agricultural Experimental Station for Cotton and Melon Growing," and the "Institute of Agricultural Innovations."
The tests examined the product's effects on soil moisture across different groups and climatic conditions, as well as its impact on yield increases when irrigating with small water volumes.
According to scientists, the product allows for water savings of up to 37% in rice fields. Traditional irrigation methods require watering for 90 days, while using the product, moisture retention can be achieved with just 51 days of watering.
Water savings of 23.9% were noted for sugar beet irrigation, and up to 28.7% for corn. Experts also reported an increase in yields.
“The first phase of testing showed promising results. The next step is to evaluate the product's effectiveness on larger sown areas. For this, we need to meet with farmers and present the test results, as well as conduct outreach efforts. Each year, the demand for irrigation water is growing, and our farming households are interested in transitioning to modern water-saving methods,” said Minister Nurchan Nurzhigitov.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Hungarian company Soil Solution stated their intention to establish a production facility for the product in Kazakhstan if there is significant demand from farmers.
“Currently, we are also considering the possibility of opening a factory to manufacture our product in Kazakhstan. This would help reduce transportation costs, making the product significantly cheaper for farmers. Additionally, it would allow for the export of Kazakhstan-made products abroad,” said Daniel Repassi, a representative of Soil Solution.