Should we expect a drought in 2024 for Kazakh farmers?

Kazakh scientists and experts announced short-term and long-term forecasts regarding climatic and market conditions for farmers, and also gave their recommendations during a round table at the MSG regarding preparation for spring field work in conditions of risk of moisture deficit.

RDP "Kazhydromet" reported in which regions of Kazakhstan drought is expected in May.

"Precipitation in most parts of the country is close to normal, in the extreme west of the republic, more than the climatic average is expected. Fears are caused by the weather conditions of the Kyzylorda region, where an atmospheric drought is expected as early as May," said Nonna Loyenko, director of the department of agrometeorological monitoring and forecasting.

According to meteorologists, June is expected to be hot, and in combination with the lack of precipitation, there are risks of drought.

In July, the weather for the main grain-growing regions is expected to be generally favorable. The amount of precipitation in July is expected to be close to the norm for the larger territory of the republic, more than the norm in the North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Akmola regions, most of the Kostanay region, the extreme north of the Karaganda region, less than the norm in the southwestern and southern half of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the expert, no excess precipitation is expected in August and September.

The Ministry of Agriculture recommends that agricultural producers must cover moisture in the fields, which allows plants to withstand long periods of no precipitation. In connection with the forecast for a possible lack of precipitation this year, livestock farmers need to stock up on fodder.

It is also stated that the problem this year is unproductive runoff of meltwater. The expert noted that 80% of the water ran out of the fields, absorption was weak, although the soil could be recharged with this moisture. To avoid water erosion, it is recommended to cultivate sloping fields across the direction of the slope.