Turkmenistan is one of the largest countries in Central Asia, occupying the second largest territory in the region. However, almost 80% of its area is occupied by the endless sands of Karakum, and only 20% of the remaining land is suitable for efficient use. In the context of such natural and climatic features, the rational use of land is becoming a key element of government policy and an important task for the scientific research community.
With the development of high technologies, new approaches and tools for more efficient use of natural resources are being introduced into various sectors of the country’s economy. One of these progressive solutions is the introduction of geographic information systems (GIS) that can optimize the use of land and natural resources, especially in such critical sectors as agriculture.
GIS as a tool for sustainable development
The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool for collecting, storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data. In the context of agriculture, GIS allows not only to create maps, but also to analyze the climatic and ecological features of territories, optimize land use and minimize the costs associated with agricultural activities. In Turkmenistan, where climatic conditions and natural resources vary from region to region, the use of GIS technologies can significantly improve agricultural efficiency.
According to Nikolay Nikolaev, a researcher at the GIS laboratory of the International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the task is to make effective decisions in the field of zoning production sites, construction work or agriculture. That is, due to a competent spatial distribution, taking into account the climate, terrain, population, infrastructure and other factors, the scientists strive to minimize the costs of producers.
Practical application of GIS in agriculture of Turkmenistan
GIS technologies are already being actively used to optimize agriculture in Turkmenistan. For example, they can be used to determine exactly the best suitable plots for agricultural works, taking into account not only the natural conditions, but also the terrain, infrastructure and climate. For this purpose, data is analyzed, which includes satellite images, information on temperature, precipitation and altitude above sea level. This approach makes it possible to make knowledge-based decisions on the zoning of land for agriculture and minimize the risks associated with changes in climate and weather conditions.
One of the most striking examples of the use of GIS technologies in the agricultural sector is the study of the surroundings of the Turkmen Lake Altyn Asyr, where satellite data and other information sources have already identified areas suitable for agricultural use. Such surveys make it possible not only to analyze the current situation, but also to forecast the future development of the region, which makes the approach more sustainable and long-term.
Forecasting and smart agriculture
GIS technologies offer powerful tools for forecasting agricultural production by analyzing historical data and current climate trends. For instance, remote sensing data can be used to accurately assess vegetation indices across different areas, enabling yield predictions for the following year. This allows farmers to proactively plan their operations.
Furthermore, the implementation of smart agriculture practices in Turkmenistan is crucial for the sustainable development of its agricultural sector. As part of this approach, soil cartograms have already been compiled, which help to accurately identify places with different fertilizer needs. Modern agricultural machinery, equipped with these maps, can then apply fertilizers precisely to each location, maximizing yields while minimizing resource waste.
The importance of scientific approach and international experience
Nikolaev emphasizes that an important part of the work is the adaptation of international experience in the use of GIS to the Turkmen realities. In other countries, GIS technologies are actively used to analyze traffic flows, plan urban construction, and assess the condition of roads and infrastructure. According to the expert, a new cohort of specialists is already being prepared in Turkmenistan, as well as a large amount of data in order for the further use of these systems to bring real benefits to the economy and society.///nCa, 20 February 2025 (based on the materials of the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan”)