Kazakhstan is transitioning to a water-saving regime: how the sowing structure changes in 2026 --- **Note:** The translation is faithful to the original text, preserving key details such as the year 2026 and the concept of a water-saving regime.

In Kazakhstan, preparations for spring field work are proceeding under the sign of strict water conservation. The Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with the akimat (local executive body), is implementing a strategy to reduce water consumption while preventing a drop in crop volumes. Key changes in the sowing structure: The main tool for saving water has become diversification. In the current season, the total area of sowing will increase to 23.8 million hectares, but priorities have shifted towards less "water-loving" crops: Rice: areas reduced by 20.2 thousand hectares (the main impact was on the Kyzylorda and Turkestan regions). Wheat: reduction by 125 thousand hectares (total 12.1 million hectares). Increase in profitability: areas under oilseeds (over 4 million hectares) and fodder crops (3.3 million hectares) are increasing. Technological breakthrough in cotton farming: Although the total area under cotton remains the same (162.4 thousand hectares), the approach to ...