At an expanded government meeting chaired by President of the country Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov presented a report on the development of the agro-industrial complex, DKNews.kz reports. The main focus is the transition from a raw material model to processing and increasing the added value of agricultural products.
One of the key projects will be an industrial park for the deep processing of maize in the Zhambyl province. Its launch is planned for this year. "An important direction is the development of deep processing of agricultural products. For example, this year a large industrial park for deep processing of maize will be commissioned in the Zhambyl province. This will allow Kazakhstan to enter the world market for threonine and glutamate.
Along with this, the new plant will create an annual guaranteed demand for maize in the volume of 3 million tonnes. Today, the whole of Kazakhstan grows only 1 million tonnes of maize. That is, one plant changes the market configuration and gives impetus to the development of certain areas of agro-production," Olzhas Bektenov noted. In fact, the launch of one enterprise can multiply the demand for raw materials and stimulate the expansion of sown areas.
New plants and investment into processing
In 2025, 6 enterprises were already built:
• oilseed processing
• wool processing
• meat processing
• milk processing
• mixed fodder production
• juice production
Additionally, 10 plants are in the implementation stage.
Strengthening of state support for processing industry
Special support measures are provided for deep processing projects:
• investment subsidies up to 50%
• exemption from import taxes on equipment
• tax incentives for core activities
This should accelerate the launch of large industrial projects in agriculture.
Cattle breeding as the biggest challenge
Despite the growth of crop production, livestock farming is developing slowly. Average growth amounts to only 2–3% per year. This is insufficient for:
• food self-sufficiency
• development of processing
• export growth
Among the key problems are:
• veterinary medicine
• shortage of personnel
• weak scientific base
New requirements for land owners
The issue of rural employment was raised separately. Some large landowners use the land only seasonally. During the rest of the time, the unemployment rate in rural areas grows. Now, for land users with areas from 10,000 hectares, obligations to develop livestock farming are being introduced. In case of non-fulfilment, sanctions up to land seizure are possible.
Complex plan for animal husbandry development
The government has prepared a separate plan to support the industry. It includes:
• soft loans for the purchase of breeding livestock
• educational grants for children of livestock breeders
• introduction of artificial insemination technologies
• development of distant-pasture animal husbandry
The development of processing allows for increasing the export of finished products rather than raw materials. Simultaneously, the development of livestock farming directly affects rural employment and the country's food security.
Article by Yelena Kovalchuk