Kazakhstan to Tighten Control Over Agricultural Product Transportation Between Regions

The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan intends to strengthen the country's phytosanitary security system and improve control over the transportation of agricultural products. These issues were discussed at a meeting chaired by Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov.

The primary focus was on preventing the spread of dangerous pests, plant diseases, and quarantine weeds between the country's regions.

Saken Kanybekov, Chairman of the Committee for State Inspection in the Agro-Industrial Complex, announced plans to introduce mandatory quarantine certificates for the transportation of regulated agricultural products between regions of Kazakhstan. The measure is expected to improve shipment traceability and reduce the risk of spreading quarantine organisms.

The ministry also plans to introduce electronic phytosanitary certificates for international shipments and automate the work of quarantine laboratories through the EASU information system.

According to Saken Kanybekov, phytosanitary control posts have already been relocated directly to the borders with the Eurasian Economic Union member states and connected to the internet for rapid data exchange. In addition, the transition to paid phytosanitary inspections has made it possible to increase laboratory staff by 254 employees, bringing the total to 372 specialists, improve salaries, upgrade technical equipment, and establish new facilities near phytosanitary control posts.

Currently, 9 out of Kazakhstan's 21 quarantine phytosanitary laboratories are equipped with PCR technology. By the end of this year, new PCR facilities will be installed in Shymkent, Kostanay, and Kokshetau. In 2027, similar equipment will be introduced in Pavlodar, Taraz, and at the Bakhty phytosanitary control post. The authorities also plan to open 10 additional laboratories at key border crossing points.

According to the Committee, the area affected by quarantine organisms in Kazakhstan has decreased from 61.9 thousand hectares in 2021 to 46.5 thousand hectares in 2026.

During the first half of 2026, more than 1,530 violations were detected during the import of regulated products. The total amount of fines imposed reached KZT 200.2 million.

The system for combating locust infestations is also being improved. Consolidating procurement into a single comprehensive contract has reduced budget expenditures by approximately KZT 2 billion. The use of the GIS FITOCENTRE system, 103 drones, and the expansion of spraying equipment from 427 to 556 units reduced the area requiring locust control treatments from 3.1 million hectares in 2024 to 1.8 million hectares in 2026.

In addition, a new department responsible for state control over livestock breeding, grain inspection, and seed inspection has been established within the Committee. Amendments to seed production legislation have also been prepared to strengthen state supervision at the district level and introduce control over the circulation of genetically modified seeds.

Following the meeting, Aidarbek Saparov instructed authorities to strengthen phytosanitary control in border areas, prepare a forecast for the spread of migratory locusts in 2027, and continue strengthening control over imported regulated agricultural products. The minister emphasized that developing a digital phytosanitary control system is an important element of ensuring Kazakhstan's national and food security.