Seven artificial glaciers created in Batken region for sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation
Batken region – As part of the project “Women’s Civil Society Organizations in Kyrgyzstan Reduce Climate-Related Risks at Regional and National Levels, Contributing to Sustainable Peace” by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), seven artificial glaciers were constructed in the villages of Batken Region (Gaz, Sogment, Bulak-Bashy, Kaindy, Aybike, Kok-Tash, and Sumbula) in late autumn 2024.
Over the winter period, these glaciers have accumulated more than 1 500 000 cubic meters of ice. With the arrival of warmer weather, the glaciers begin to melt, providing water for irrigation to agricultural lands located downstream. According to FAO experts, the total area of irrigated land, using furrow irrigation, will exceed 1 750 hectares, equivalent to the area of 2 451 football fields. If modern irrigation systems are used, the irrigated area could be further expanded to 15 000 hectares.
The project is being implemented by FAO in collaboration with UN Women and the “Roza Otunbayeva Initiative” Foundation, with financial support from the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund. It aims to strengthen the interaction between women's organizations and local and regional authorities, as well as to reduce risks associated with climate change and security.
Artificial glaciers as an innovative solution
The artificial glaciers, proposed by FAO experts, are relatively simple structures designed to accumulate water in the form of ice during the winter months. In summer, this water is used for agricultural needs, including irrigation and livestock watering. On average, one glacier can provide water for irrigating 300 to 500 hectares of land.
“The key is to choose the right location for the glacier,” said Matraim Jusupov, FAO expert on upscaling water saving technologies. “We take water from a mountain spring and direct it through a pipeline, at the end of which a vertical pipe 10-15 meters high is installed. Due to the difference in elevation, energy is generated, which we use to spray water into the air. At low winter temperatures, the water freezes, gradually forming an ice cone.”
A total of 6 956 meters of pipeline were laid for the construction of the seven glaciers. FAO provided construction materials and technical guidance, while the work was carried out by local residents using the traditional “ashar” method. By spring of this year, villagers will be able to use the stored water to irrigate crops.
“The glacier has become a real salvation for our village. Now we will have a stable water source even during the driest months,” said Kydyrali Toichubaev, a community activist from Sumbula village. “Throughout the winter, the glacier grew, and according to our estimates, the stored water will be enough to meet the needs of three villages.”
The FAO office in Kyrgyzstan has developed universal guidelines for constructing artificial glaciers, which have been shared with all regions and districts of the country. Based on this experience, the creation of new glaciers has already begun in other regions. To increase efficiency, it is also proposed to use a system of small reservoirs to store water generated by the melting of artificial glaciers.
“Artificial glaciers are not just a technological solution but an example of how innovation can support the resilience of rural communities in the face of climate change,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. “Such projects enhance food security and contribute to the long-term development of agriculture.”
In Kyrgyzstan, FAO supports several projects to combat water scarcity and assist villagers in its rational use. For example, in Kochkor District of Naryn Region, with FAO's technical and financial assistance, an electronic irrigation and water accounting system has been introduced. Digital technologies like this have not only helped to distribute water more efficiently but also to resolve conflicts among farmers over this vital resource.
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