The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan represented by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Azat Sultanov together with the Mayor of Almaty Region, organized a press tour of the region’s agro-industrial facilities.
Beeld: © AST-LVVN
Strawberry farm in Almaty oblast
The main goal of the press tour was to showcase successful examples of development in the berry and fruit and vegetable sectors, demonstrate the implementation of modern agricultural technologies, and outline the strategic directions of state support for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
"Semirechye" nursery — collaboration with the Netherlands and other foreign countries
Participants of the press event were introduced to one of the leading enterprises in berry growing — LLP "Semirechye Nursery."
The nursery is located in the Enbekshikazakh district. The enterprise was founded in 2013 and since 2018 has operated as a modern production complex covering 27 hectares. Its main profile is growing planting material and fresh products of berry crops such as garden strawberries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, blueberries, and others.
"To date, we cultivate more than 70 varieties of berries, of which over 20 are strawberry varieties. The average yield of garden strawberries is about 50 tons per hectare. Annually, we produce up to 1.5 million strawberry seedlings and over 300 thousand raspberry and currant seedlings," said the nursery director, Alexander Dragan.
The nursery actively collaborates with leading international and scientific partners. The parent material is produced from plants provided under license by leading breeders from America, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Technologies, achievements and development prospects
The enterprise implements closed root system technologies, which already account for 70% of the total assortment, increasing plant survival rates and production efficiency.
In addition, continuous agrochemical analysis of soil and water is carried out, an autonomous irrigation system is applied, and the technology for establishing new berry plantations takes into account the local soil and climatic conditions. The nursery also offers a turnkey service for establishing berry plantations — from selecting varieties to nutrition schemes and plant protection.
"Semirechye" is a base farm of the Kazakhstan Association of Nut and Berry Producers and Processors and an active participant in innovative projects. Together with the Kazakh National Agrarian University and KazNIIpo, the nursery participates in developing and testing new berry varieties, including those adapted to Kazakhstan’s climate.
Beeld: © AST-LVVN
Strawberry farm in Almaty oblast
Since 2017, the enterprise has held a license to propagate the raspberry variety "Karamelka," and since 2023 it has begun developing a new direction — ornamental shrubs and perennial flowers.
One of the achievements the nursery is especially proud of is its involvement in establishing over 200 hectares of berry plantations in the region. Thanks to active import, adaptation, and breeding of varieties from Europe and Russia, popular varieties such as Polka, Polana, Glen Ample, Alba, Murano, San Andreas, Clery, and many others have entered the Kazakh market.
Flagman in a berry sector
"We see how agribusiness in Kazakhstan is gaining momentum. Enterprises like 'Semirechye' are examples of how innovation, science, and entrepreneurship can drive the industry forward. The Ministry, for its part, will continue to support such producers," emphasized Azat Sultanov.
The "Semirechye" nursery has become a true flagship of the berry sector in the country, demonstrating that even with limited resources (only three permanent employees), high results can be achieved through the right strategy, technologies, and knowledge.
The press tour demonstrated that the Almaty region has enormous potential in horticulture and processing, and that state and scientific support are key to sustainable development of the industry.
Source: Gov.kz (in Russian)