Kazakhstan's Agriculture Ministry Demands Efficient Use of State Support Funds

Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, held a meeting dedicated to the development of the agro-industrial complex, the achievement of established targets and the implementation of instructions issued by the Head of State. Representatives of subordinate organizations, financial institutions and deputy regional governors attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the minister announced that the main part of the harvesting campaign had been completed. To date, Kazakhstan has harvested 24.3 million tonnes of grain. Oilseed crops have been harvested on 91% of the designated area, with gross production reaching 5.1 million tonnes. The harvesting of cotton, corn and sugar beet is in its final stages.

Aidarbek Saparov emphasized that the immediate priorities following the harvest are ensuring proper crop storage, organizing efficient sales, supplying the domestic market and increasing export shipments.

The minister paid particular attention to food inflation. He recalled that the President of Kazakhstan, in his Address to the Nation, identified increasing household incomes and curbing inflation as important objectives. In this regard, local executive authorities need to strengthen efforts to prevent unjustified increases in food prices.

Vice Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatepova reported on the current situation in the food industry. According to her data, food production reached 3.2 trillion tenge during the first nine months of the current year, representing an increase of 13.8%.

Positive growth was recorded across the main segments of the food processing industry. In particular, vegetable oil production increased by 25.2%, flour production by 13.9%, and cheese and cottage cheese production by 9.3%.

Government support measures, including concessional lending, subsidies and tax incentives, have been introduced to further increase food production.

At the same time, higher production volumes must be accompanied by the development of efficient distribution channels and measures to ensure that products remain affordable for consumers. Accordingly, regional authorities have been instructed to expand direct cooperation between agricultural producers and retail chains, reduce the number of intermediaries, develop retail infrastructure and organize agricultural fairs.

Advance contracting for vegetable supplies remains one of the mechanisms used to curb seasonal price increases. So far, the regions have purchased 101,000 tonnes of potatoes, 26,800 tonnes of carrots, and 24,900 tonnes each of onions and cabbage.

The administrations of Astana, Almaty, Mangystau Region and Pavlodar Region have been instructed to ensure, as soon as possible, that contracted vegetable supplies cover at least 30% of the population's three-month requirements.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the implementation of the Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan, including the establishment of meat production clusters.

A total of 64.2 billion tenge has been allocated for the purchase of breeding livestock this year. The funds are intended to finance the acquisition of 29,600 head of cattle and 15,200 head of sheep and goats.

The administrations of Akmola, North Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan regions are actively implementing existing lending programs. However, the minister drew attention to the insufficient pace of work in certain regions.

Aidarbek Saparov instructed officials to maintain continuous oversight of every investment project, from the review of financing applications to the actual delivery of purchased livestock to farms.

According to the minister, substantial budget funds allocated to livestock development must produce measurable results. These include increasing livestock numbers, expanding livestock product output, improving productivity and strengthening the sector's export capabilities.

The head of the Agriculture Ministry also warned that regions failing to meet the targets of the Comprehensive Plan would not be eligible for financing of new projects in 2027. State support should be directed toward those who ensure the efficient use of allocated resources.

Following the meeting, local executive authorities were instructed to strengthen oversight of the achievement of target indicators for the physical volume index of production, full utilization of enterprise capacity, strict compliance with deadlines for commissioning new facilities, and disbursement of funds under the Igilik, Bereke and Zhailau programs.

Concluding the meeting, Aidarbek Saparov stressed the need to increase the personal accountability of regional leaders for fulfilling their assigned tasks. According to the minister, government financing must contribute to higher production volumes, the creation of new production facilities, stronger food security and greater competitiveness of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex.