The Ibrai Zhakhayev Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Rice Growing is trialling a new moisture-saving rice variety in the Kyzylorda region. The variety, known as “Syr Sulu,” is designed to mature more quickly and use significantly less water compared to traditional strains.

Syr Sulu matures within 105-110 days and offers high yields, up to 80-85 centners per hectare with proper agricultural practices. By comparison, Russian rice varieties typically cultivated in the Kyzylorda region require 120-125 days to reach maturity, resulting in higher water consumption.

“The water situation in the southern regions of Kazakhstan makes it necessary to find and develop new ways to save water. Given global climate change, such crop varieties could become a compelling alternative to existing water-intensive varieties. The results of this research will have a positive impact on the development of agriculture and reduce water consumption in rice fields,” said a representative of the Kazakh Rice Institute.

Moisture Retention Innovations

In parallel, the institute is working with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to continue trials of the Hungarian product Water Retainer, a soil treatment designed to preserve moisture. In 2025, the product is being tested on irrigated land in the Almaty, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, Karaganda, Akmola, and Zhetysu regions.

“The first stage of testing, in which four research institutes participated, showed that the product reduces the growing season of rice and achieves significant water savings. Traditionally, rice is watered for 90 days, but with the use of the preparation, 51 days are sufficient,” said Lazzat Dzhusipova, Director of the Ministry’s Department of Scientific and Innovative Technologies.

Broader Water Challenges

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) released a comprehensive assessment of Central Asia’s water and energy challenges in April 2025. The study found that much of the region’s water infrastructure is outdated and inefficient, leading to the loss of 40-55% of available water. The EDB estimates that, without urgent modernization, Central Asia could face an annual water deficit of 5-12 cubic kilometers by 2028.

Dmitry Pokidaev

Published Date: August 26, 2025