Integrated Use of Land and Water Resources in the Talas Region
摘要
Amid increasing climate instability and growing concerns over food security, the development of hydraulic infrastructure (HI) has become a key factor for the sustainable functioning of agriculture in the Talas region. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of the existing irrigation system—including canals, pumping stations, and reservoirs—in ensuring water supply for more than 70% of the region's agricultural land. Special attention given to the technical condition of irrigation facilities, water losses reaching up to 40–50%, and the consequences of land degradation caused by inefficient water and land use. The article highlights modernization prospects for the irrigation network through innovative technologies such as gate automation, canal lining with concrete, and the application of geomembranes and polybentonite sealants. The authors emphasize the necessity of an integrated approach, incorporating resource-efficient farming practices (e.g., chisel tillage, intercropping) and erosion control measures. Furthermore, the potential for constructing small and cascade hydropower plants considered as a supplement to the irrigation system and a source of sustainable energy. The study concludes that the development of hydraulic infrastructure is of strategic importance for increasing agricultural productivity, landscape resilience, and regional water security.