Digitalization, Hydroponics, and Farm Credits: What Kazakhstan Can Learn from Canada

 

Kazakhstan's Food Corporation is seeking ways to modernize the agricultural sector. To this end, the company hosted a meeting with representatives from the Canadian embassy and agribusiness. Key topics included cooperation prospects, sharing experience in digitalization, and, of course, grain storage.

From the Kazakh side, the dialogue was led by Ildar Ismagulov, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC "NC "Food Corporation", and Samat Tenbayev, Deputy Chairman. Canada was represented by Trade Counsellor Jude Pecora and Trade Commissioner Gauhar Kadyrkhanova. An important part of the delegation consisted of experts from Agromatics and New Leaf Farms, companies specializing in agricultural innovations and digital solutions.

The spotlight was on Agromatics' developments. The Canadians presented comprehensive solutions for digital farm management and yield monitoring. This involves a system of sensors and software that allows for tracking grain quality and moisture at all stages, from harvest to storage. Food Corporation representatives noted in response that this trend has also gained momentum in Kazakhstan, with large agricultural holdings already actively implementing digitalization.

Colleagues from New Leaf Farms, in turn, focused on a different area. They shared their experience in building vertical farms and introduced hydroponic systems for growing vegetables and fodder crops. This is significant as the technology drastically reduces water consumption and mitigates risks associated with climatic conditions. Participants discussed the potential application of such solutions in Kazakhstan's northern regions.

A separate and important topic was money—specifically, issues of financing and supporting farmers. The Canadians shared their model: the state financial corporation Farm Credit Canada handles these tasks. This organization is directly accountable to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Its main function is to provide farmers with accessible lending, investment loans, and to implement risk management programs in the sector.

The meeting concluded on a positive note. Both sides agreed that there is great potential for cooperation between Canada and Kazakhstan in agriculture, especially in AgTech and digitalization. Following the talks, the Food Corporation expressed concrete interest. The Kazakh side intends to study the Canadian farmer support model in detail and continue interaction through the exchange of technologies and management practices.