Kazakhstan: the threat of drought looms over agriculture once again, preparations are needed for long periods without precipitation.

In the current year, Kazakhstan may face drought again. The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed that agricultural producers must ensure moisture retention in the fields so that plants can survive long periods without rainfall. Due to the forecast of expected precipitation deficit this year, livestock farmers need to stock up on feed. These details were shared at the round table "Preparation for spring fieldwork in conditions of drought risk", conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

During this event, scientists and experts presented short-term and long-term weather and economic forecasts for farmers, as well as provided their recommendations.

According to the forecast by RSE "Kazhydromet," May will be hot.

"Precipitation in most parts of the country will be close to normal, above-average rainfall is expected in the western part of the republic. Concerns arise over the weather in the Kyzylorda region, where atmospheric drought may occur as early as May," shared Nonna Loenko, Director of the Department of Agrometeorological Monitoring and Forecasting.

According to meteorologists' forecasts, June will be hot, and combined with the lack of precipitation, there is a risk of drought. In July, the weather for the main grain-growing regions will be generally favorable. It is expected that the amount of rainfall in July will be close to normal in most of the country, above average in the North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, and Akmola regions, as well as in most of the Kostanay region and the far north of the Karaganda region, and below normal in the southwestern and southern parts of Kazakhstan.

According to experts, excessive rainfall is not expected in August and September according to the preliminary forecast.

Dauren Zhumabayev, a scientist and one of the authors of the project "Climate Change in Central Asia" at Nazarbayev University, spoke about the developed climate change model. The scientists' long-term forecast indicates a high risk of reduced summer rainfall in Kazakhstan. Furthermore, as temperatures rise, the precipitation will evaporate faster.

Zhumabayev also mentioned that scientists anticipate a change in soil types from south to north. In light of these forecasts, experts recommend that farmers develop strategies for adapting to climate change, including the choice of crops for planting and farming methods, as well as the development of irrigation systems.

Vice-Minister of Agriculture A. Sultanov emphasized that in view of long-term forecasts, it is necessary to develop strategies for adapting to climate change. He also stressed that each agricultural producer must take market trends into account when planning crop areas. The recommendations voiced by round table participants were conveyed to the regions.