Aidarbek Saparov
29/01/2025 22:51
One of the leading agricultural countries is taking important steps to introduce advanced agro-technologies aimed at improving production efficiency and sustainable development of the agro-sector.
The key direction in crop production is the diversification of sown areas. In this context, measures are being taken to reduce the production of water-intensive crops and replace them with highly profitable ones, such as oilseeds, maize, fodder crops and vegetables. This approach not only increases yields, but also improves the structure of crop rotation, which helps to maintain soil health.
Special attention is paid to the use of quality seeds. The development of domestic seed production, creating high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, has become a priority.
This makes Kazakhstan an attractive partner for Hungary and co-operation between the countries goes beyond mere export-import.
The state register of breeding achievements recommended for use in Kazakhstan for 2024 included 5 varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops (soya, maize and vegetable) of Hungarian selection. A number of other varieties (walnut, forage crops, sorghum) are undergoing state trials. This indicates that the exchange of genetic material and technologies is promising.
Kazakhstan's diverse climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of a wide range of crops and the development of animal husbandry. The country actively participates in the global food supply chain, adhering to the principles of environmental friendliness and sustainable development.
According to the results of last year, more than 26.5 million tonnes of cereals were threshed, of which almost 19.8 million tonnes is wheat.
These achievements are the result of the long-term agrarian policy of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at creating favourable conditions for agribusiness, including an increase in state support.
Last year, the volume of preferential lending for spring field and harvesting works totalled $1.2 billion for the first time, while the volume of subsidies reached $1 billion.
Large-scale measures are also being carried out in the livestock sector to develop the genetic potential of breeds and improve breeding and pedigree work. Modern dairy farms and meat agro-complexes are being actively created in the country, which is aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's position in the food industry.
Modern resource-saving technologies are being actively introduced. At present, the area of land on which water-saving technologies are applied is 402.2 thousand hectares, with the task of increasing it to 150 thousand hectares annually. To encourage farmers to apply such technologies, investment subsidies of up to 80 per cent are provided for the purchase of equipment and the creation of the necessary infrastructure.
Kazakhstan offers favourable conditions for Hungarian investments in the agro-industrial sector. Political and economic stability, rich land resources and human capital create a favourable investment climate. State support in the form of subsidies, tax exemptions and preferences, including the possibility to conclude investment contracts and agreements with the government, ensure the attractiveness of investment projects in the agro-industrial sector of Kazakhstan.
Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture together with JSC ‘NC “Kazakh Invest” is working on the implementation of joint projects with Hungary in the agricultural sector.
Among the companies that intend to work in Kazakhstan are UBM GROUP, Lac Holding, Alfaseeds, Globalia.
Potential joint projects can significantly expand and deepen cooperation between the countries in the agro-industrial sector. Further development of the partnership promises to make a significant contribution to food security and economic development of both countries.
The author is Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan