Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov stated that the ministry is not involved in the experiment on artificial rain generation in the Turkestan Region and does not have information about the technology being used. According to him, the project is being implemented by the regional akimat.
WHAT THE DEPUTY MINISTER SAID
Azat Sultanov reported that the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is not involved in the experiment on artificial precipitation generation in the Turkestan Region, and therefore cannot explain exactly what method is being used to induce rain.
According to the deputy minister, there are many technologies for artificial weather modification in the world, including those based on chemical reactions. However, he noted that he does not know which particular technology is being used in the region and refrained from making assumptions in order to avoid causing confusion.
WHY THE MINISTRY IS NOT COMMENTING ON THE TECHNOLOGY
According to Azat Sultanov, the experiment falls outside the competence of the Ministry of Agriculture. He clarified that the implementation of the project is being handled by the akimat of the Turkestan Region, and the relevant ministry is not involved.
CONTEXT
The Turkestan Region remains one of the regions of Kazakhstan most sensitive to water resource shortages. A pilot project for artificial precipitation generation has been launched in the region, with stated goals of replenishing reservoirs and providing water to agricultural areas.
Meanwhile, earlier, farmers from the Zhetysai and Maktaaral districts reported losses of melon harvests following prolonged May rains. Some farmers speculated that the precipitation could be linked to the implementation of the project; however, the akimat of the Turkestan Region stated that the rains were caused by natural atmospheric processes. Project representatives also noted that the technology is being applied on a limited territory and did not connect it with precipitation in the southern districts of the region.
