Aidarbek Saparov named livestock farming one of the key drivers of agricultural sector development

Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov met with agricultural producers of the West Kazakhstan Region during his working visit, inspected several investment projects, and assessed farmers' preparedness for the upcoming harvest campaign.

Speaking with representatives of the agricultural sector, the minister noted that the industry faces ambitious objectives in 2026. According to him, agricultural growth is expected to reach 5.9%, supported by the necessary resources and opportunities. This will make it possible to consistently implement the strategic task set by the Head of State to double the country's gross agricultural output. Aidarbek Saparov also outlined the current government support measures available to agricultural producers.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 5,500 domestic agricultural producers have already benefited from the preferential financing program for spring field work. The total amount of financing provided has reached KZT 618 billion.

To further stimulate the sector, the Government has approved a Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan aimed at ensuring affordable preferential financing throughout the entire production chain. Farmers currently have access to the "Igilik" and "Bereke" preferential loan programs, while the "Zhailau" program supports the development of pasture-based livestock farming.

Aidarbek Saparov emphasized that one of the additional growth opportunities for the sector is the greater involvement of large crop-producing farms in livestock production and called for more active efforts in this direction.

Participants of the meeting positively assessed the current government support measures, highlighting improved access to preferential financing, modernization of agricultural machinery, and favorable conditions for implementing investment projects. In their opinion, the increased focus on livestock farming and the launch of new credit programs will help expand production and create additional jobs in rural areas.

During the visit, the minister inspected the construction of a vegetable storage facility owned by IE Oral Agro with a design capacity of 12,000 tonnes. The project is valued at more than KZT 2.8 billion and is scheduled to be commissioned in September this year.

Aidarbek Saparov also visited the dairy farm of KTK-888 LLP, which was commissioned in 2025. The enterprise has imported more than 400 head of cattle from the Aktobe Region and Denmark, installed a modern milking parlor, and is currently building a milk processing facility. By the end of the year, the number of highly productive cattle is expected to increase to 1,000 head.

At the Atamura farm, the minister was introduced to the Cropwise Operations digital platform designed to improve management of production processes. The farm has already begun harvesting winter crops, with an average yield of 49 centners per hectare.

Summarizing the results of the working trip, Aidarbek Saparov instructed regional authorities and agricultural producers to ensure high-quality preparation for the harvest campaign, strengthen phytosanitary and veterinary control, and continue implementing investment projects aimed at improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex.

According to the minister, the agricultural sector is currently tasked not only with increasing production volumes but also with building a modern, high-tech, export-oriented agro-industrial sector. Government support measures and investment projects are intended to achieve these objectives.