# Kazakhstan cloud seeding drought mitigation project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kazakhstan-cloud-seeding-drought-mitigation-project
> Updated: 2026-08-22T07:59:28.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Kazakhstan has launched an experimental cloud-seeding project to mitigate severe droughts and water shortages caused by climate change. In collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, the initiative utilizes specialized aircraft equipped with rocket seeding systems to disperse particles like sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or silver iodide into clouds to induce rainfall.

The pilot program, which began in May, is centered in the Turkestan region, serving as the nation’s primary agricultural hub. The project covers over 911,000 hectares of arable land dedicated to cotton cultivation. Authorities estimate the potential economic benefits could reach approximately 35 billion tenge (roughly $75 million) annually through improved crop yields and reduced drought-related damages.

While scientific studies indicate the technique may increase precipitation by 15% to 20%, experts note that success depends on the ability to identify suitable clouds and updrafts. The project has also drawn regional scrutiny; former Kyrgyzstani Prime Minister Akylbek Zhaparov expressed apprehension that large-scale atmospheric interventions could disrupt the fragile regional water cycle, noting that Kyrgyzstan is a primary source of water for the area.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Kazakhstan implements cloud seeding to combat severe drought

Kazakhstan has implemented cloud seeding technology to combat drought and desertification, a move that has sparked concerns in neighboring Kyrgyzstan regarding regional water cycle stability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kazakhstan-implements-cloud-seeding-to-combat-severe-drought

### 2026-08-14: Kazakhstan pilots cloud seeding to combat drought

Kazakhstan is partnering with the UAE to pilot cloud seeding technology, aiming to boost rainfall by up to 20% to protect vital agricultural lands in the Turkestan region from drought.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kazakhstan-tests-cloud-seeding-to-combat-drought

### 2026-08-12: Kazakhstan implements cloud seeding to combat drought

Kazakhstan is collaborating with the United Arab Emirates to use cloud-seeding technology to combat drought and protect agricultural yields in the Turkestan region.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kazakhstan-implements-cloud-seeding-to-combat-drought

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Cite as: Kazakhstan cloud seeding drought mitigation project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kazakhstan-cloud-seeding-drought-mitigation-project