Kazakhstan is rapidly transforming its agricultural sector from a supplier of raw commodities into a producer of higher-value food products, creating new opportunities for international investors and technology partners.
Beeld: © Free use / Kazakh agrosector
Kazakh agrosector
Agriculture remains an important pillar of Kazakhstan’s economy. Gross agricultural output reached 6 trillion tenge in 2025, up from 5.3 trillion tenge in 2024 and 4.5 trillion tenge in 2023. Beyond its direct contribution to GDP, the sector supports food processing, logistics, trade, and agricultural machinery industries.
A key priority of the Kazakh government is increasing the share of processed agricultural products. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a target of raising the share of processed output to 70% in the coming years. This strategy aims to create more value within the country, strengthen food security, and position Kazakhstan as a leading agri-food hub between Europe and Asia.
To support this transformation, the state-owned Baiterek National Management Holding invested approximately 1.1 trillion tenge in the agricultural sector in 2025 through its subsidiary institutions, including the Agrarian Credit Corporation and KazAgroFinance. Similar levels of financing are expected to continue in 2026, supporting investment in modern production facilities, agricultural equipment, and food processing.
Growing opportunities in food processing
Food processing has become one of the most dynamic areas of development. In 2025, 121 processing enterprises received financing through Baiterek’s support programs. Investment was directed toward vegetable oils, dairy products, cheese production, bakery products, and other value-added food categories.
Beeld: © Free use / illustrative
illustrative
One of the largest projects is the Maslo-Del oil extraction plant in Petropavlovsk. The facility can process up to 1,200 tonnes of oilseeds per day and supplies products not only to the domestic market but also to Europe, China, and neighboring countries. The project reflects Kazakhstan’s broader ambition to expand exports of processed agricultural products rather than raw materials.
The results are already visible. Over the past five years, Kazakhstan has increased sunflower oil exports by 6.4 times, reaching 608,000 tonnes. The country has also become one of the major suppliers of sunflower meal to the European Union.
Dairy & livestock emphasis
Kazakhstan is placing increasing emphasis on livestock development, particularly dairy farming. A new national livestock development program for 2026–2030 prioritizes the expansion of modern dairy operations and the introduction of highly productive cattle breeds, including Holstein and Simmental.
Beeld: © Free use / cows
cows
The country is actively financing the construction of modern dairy farms and supporting investments in milk processing. One example is Agro-Trade PV LLP in Pavlodar Region, where a dairy farm for 1,200 cattle was established with its own feed production base and irrigated land. The facility produces up to 30 tonnes of milk per day.
These developments create opportunities for Dutch companies specializing in dairy genetics, precision livestock farming, automated milking systems, feed management, animal health solutions, and dairy processing technologies.
Greenhouse and irrigation development
Kazakhstan is also investing in greenhouse production and water-efficient agriculture. The World Green Company greenhouse complex in West Kazakhstan Region produces approximately 7,300 tonnes of vegetables annually using automated climate-control and irrigation systems.
Beeld: © Free use / greenhouse
greenhouse
As the country seeks to increase domestic food production and reduce seasonal shortages, demand is expected to grow for advanced greenhouse technologies, water management solutions, and irrigation infrastructure.
These areas closely align with Dutch expertise in greenhouse engineering, climate-control systems, hydroponics, water efficiency, and sustainable horticulture.
Investment in agricultural infrastructure
Alongside production facilities, Kazakhstan is investing in irrigation systems, storage infrastructure, and modern agricultural equipment. More than 10,000 units of agricultural machinery were financed in 2025 through preferential leasing programs.
The modernization of agricultural infrastructure creates opportunities for suppliers of agricultural machinery, precision farming technologies, digital farm management systems, and resource-efficient production solutions.
Plant-based ingredients and future food markets
Another notable development is the construction of a major processing complex by Kazakh Protein LLP in Astana. The project focuses on producing plant-based proteins and food ingredients for export to the European Union, China, and Middle Eastern markets.
As demand for alternative proteins and functional food ingredients continues to grow in Europe, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a future supplier within international value chains.
Strategic partner for Europe
Kazakhstan’s agricultural transformation is increasingly aligned with European priorities related to food security, supply chain diversification, and sustainable production. Supported by substantial public investment and a clear focus on value-added production, the country is creating new opportunities for international partnerships.
For Dutch agribusiness companies, the most promising areas include dairy farming, greenhouse technologies, irrigation systems, food processing, agricultural machinery, and plant-based protein production. As Kazakhstan continues to expand its role as an agri-food exporter, cooperation between Kazakh producers and Dutch technology providers is likely to become increasingly important.