On 23 July, the International Seed Potato Day was held at the Baimyrza-Agro 2018 farm in the Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan. The event was organized by Eurasia Group Kazakhstan with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan. The Dutch NAK General Inspection Service for Seed Potatoes also participated in the program.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Agricultural Counsellor Arie Veldhuizen at the International Seed Potato Day
The event focused on advancing Kazakhstan’s seed potato industry through the adoption of Dutch quality standards, technologies, and inspection systems. Baimyrza-Agro 2018 presented the results of implementing the NAK inspection system, including inspector training, field and laboratory testing, batch traceability, and compliance with international quality requirements.
As part of International Seed Potato Day, an Open Field Seminar was held bringing together Kazakh farmers, regional authorities, agricultural experts, and Dutch specialists. The seminar provided a practical platform for exchanging knowledge and experience on modern potato production, with particular attention to high-quality seed potatoes, sustainable production methods, and Dutch expertise in seed potato inspection and quality assurance.
Exchange of еxperience
Opening the event, Ruslan Kenzhebekov, Deputy Akim (Governor) of the Karaganda Region, emphasized that climate change is placing increasing demands on potato production. Against this backdrop, access to high-quality seed potatoes, modern production technologies, and professional expertise is becoming ever more important for the sector’s sustainable development.
He highlighted the important role of specialized seed potato farms, including Baimyrza-Agro 2018, which is actively introducing modern agricultural technologies and strengthening cooperation with Dutch experts and partners.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Agricultural Counsellor of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Arie Veldhuizen at the International Seed Potato Day
Arie Veldhuizen, Agricultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan, underlined the strong and long-standing agricultural partnership between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.
He noted that this cooperation is built on mutual trust, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and a shared ambition to further develop a competitive and sustainable potato sector in Kazakhstan.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / International Seed Potato Day in Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan
The event also brought together Nurken Kopzhanov, Chairman of the Karaganda Regional Maslikhat; Yerlan Kussayin, Akim of the Bukhar-Zhyrau District; members of local representative bodies; and representatives of the agricultural sector.
Yerzhan Nasharov, founder of Baimyrza-Agro 2018, shared the farm’s experience in developing potato production. He stressed that a successful and resilient potato sector requires an integrated approach covering the entire production chain — from irrigation, soil management, and high-quality planting material to storage, quality assurance, and marketing.
From innovation to implementation
A key focus of the Open Field Seminar was the cooperation between Baimyrza-Agro 2018 and NAK, the Dutch General Inspection Service for agricultural seeds and seed potatoes. NAK Senior Inspector Jan Koning presented the principles and practical application of the Dutch seed potato quality assurance system. He highlighted the importance of rigorous field inspections, maintaining varietal purity, phytosanitary measures, and the early detection and removal of plants showing symptoms of viral infection.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / International Seed Potato Day in Karaganda Region of Kazakhstan
The Open Field Seminar illustrated the value of bringing Dutch expertise and Kazakh agricultural practice together directly in the field. By combining high-quality seed material, robust quality-control systems, modern production technologies, and local knowledge and experience, this cooperation can contribute to a stronger, more productive, and more sustainable potato value chain in Kazakhstan.