In a significant address at the first Forum of Agricultural Workers on November 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector. Emphasizing the sector’s pivotal role in ensuring food security and driving economic growth, the President’s roadmap encompasses increased financing, technological integration, and export enhancement.
Boosting Agricultural Financing
Recognizing the chronic underfunding in agriculture, President Tokayev announced a substantial increase in state spending. Preferential loans for farmers have tripled to 580 billion tenge (approximately US$1.1 billion) this year, with plans to escalate this funding to 1.5 trillion tenge (US$3 billion) in the coming years. Additionally, the government will commence offering spring fieldwork loans in December, facilitating early procurement of essential farming inputs.
Advancing Agro-Industrial Processing
Aiming to elevate the share of processed products in the agro-industrial complex to 70% within three years, the President outlined plans to construct:
- 116 modern dairy farms to increase milk production by 600,000 tons.
- 29 poultry farms with an annual output of 220,000 tons of meat.
- 11 egg farms capable of producing 850 million eggs per year.
- Six fattening sites for nearly 100,000 cattle and a complex for 50,000 small livestock.
Enhancing Agricultural Science and Seed Production
To bolster domestic seed production, a comprehensive plan has been adopted with goals to:
- Increase the share of domestically produced seeds to 80% by 2028.
- Ensure that 15% of these are elite seeds.
Furthermore, the establishment of a Horse Breeding Institute has been directed to focus on the selection and breeding of purebred horses, which currently constitute only 1% of Kazakhstan’s 4.2 million horses.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Addressing the insufficient use of mineral fertilizers, Kazakhstan is investing $4 billion to produce seven million tons of mineral fertilizers, aiming to meet domestic demand and enter the export market. The President also highlighted the potential of sheep wool as a natural alternative for organic fertilizer production. Emphasizing the importance of digitization, he advocated for the integration of digital technologies to enhance competitiveness and reduce the shadow economy in agriculture.
Modernizing Agricultural Machinery
To increase labor productivity, the President set a target to renew agricultural machinery at a rate of 8-10% per year. He urged the government to support small-unit assembly, localize imported components, and create jobs within the sector.
Expanding Export Potential
To boost export capacity, Kazakhstan has adopted a comprehensive plan to build and modernize storage facilities, adding 700,000 tons of capacity. Grain exports have resumed to markets including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Afghanistan. Access to the Iranian market has also been restored, with 250,000 tons of barley shipped. Plans are underway to deliver grain to China, the European Union countries, and North Africa. A new grain terminal in the port of Kuryk is set to enhance sea transportation, leveraging international corridors like the North-South and the Trans-Caspian route.
President Tokayev’s strategic initiatives underscore Kazakhstan’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape, ensuring food security, and positioning the nation as a formidable player in the global agro-industrial arena.
For a detailed account, refer to the original article: President Highlights Priorities for Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Development.
