Kazakhstan implements cloud seeding to combat drought

Kazakhstan has launched an experimental cloud-seeding project to combat severe droughts and water shortages exacerbated by climate change. In a collaboration with the United Arab Emirates' meteorological centre, specialized aircraft are being used to trigger rainfall over arid regions.

The project specifically targets the Turkestan region, the country's primary agricultural hub, covering approximately 9,110 square kilometers of arable land used for cotton cultivation. By using salt particles, such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, dispersed via flares or rockets, the process aims to increase the weight of cloud droplets to induce precipitation.

Scientific studies suggest the technique can increase precipitation by 15 to 20 percent at best, though success depends heavily on identifying suitable clouds and updrafts. Kazakh authorities estimate the economic benefits could reach approximately 35 billion tenge (roughly $75 million) annually through improved crop yields and reduced drought-related damages.