Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Nurtzhigitov paid a working visit to the West Kazakhstan Region and held a meeting with local residents and students majoring in «Hydromelioration» at the Atameken Arts Centre in Oral.
The meeting addressed pressing issues in the water management sector, the condition of hydraulic structures in the region, and the training of qualified personnel for the sector.
The Minister’s visit focused on discussing pressing issues facing the water management sector, familiarizing himself with the condition of hydraulic structures in the region, and discussing the training of qualified specialists for the sector.
During the meeting, local residents raised issues of concern to them. The Minister’s meeting with students majoring in «Hydromelioration» was of particular importance. It should be noted that Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University began admitting students to this programme for the first time in 2025.
Experienced specialists in the water management sector also spoke at the meeting. They shared their experience with students on the effective management of water resources in the region, monitoring hydraulic structures, and the development of irrigated lands. They also provided detailed information on water-use limits, environmental safety requirements, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.
The Ministry is paying particular attention to strengthening the human resources capacity of the water management sector. In the 2026-2027 academic year, 100 state educational grants were allocated for the «Hydromelioration» programme. This is a clear demonstration of the state’s support for the sector.
Currently, 2,629 students are studying water-related programmes at higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. Of these, 2,393 students are enrolled in bachelor’s programmes, 126 in master’s programmes, and 110 in doctoral programmes.
The Minister’s visit to the region demonstrated the priorities of state policy in the water management sector. Ensuring water security as a key national priority and fostering an environmental culture were among the main points highlighted during the visit.
The establishment and development of programmes such as «Hydromelioration» are of strategic importance to the country’s agro-industrial complex. Students had the opportunity to gain practical experience through direct interaction with sector specialists, while the support provided by the Ministry lays a solid foundation for the professional development of future engineers.
One of the students shared their impressions: «This meeting left a positive impression on us, and we received the information necessary for our further studies. We learned more about water-related issues in the country. Such meetings are very valuable for students».
