Kazakhstan launches deep processing projects in the agro-industrial complex

At an expanded government meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reported on the ongoing work to develop the agro-industrial complex.

One of the priority areas is the expansion of capacities for deep processing of agricultural raw materials. In particular, a large industrial park for deep corn processing is scheduled to be launched in the Zhambyl region this year. The project will enable Kazakhstan to enter the global market for products such as threonine and glutamate.

According to the prime minister, the launch of the enterprise will create stable annual demand for corn in the amount of 3 million tons. Currently, the entire country produces only about 1 million tons of this crop. Thus, a single plant can significantly change the market configuration and give impetus to the development of certain areas of agricultural production, Bektenov said.

In 2025, six enterprises specializing in deep processing of oilseeds, wool, meat, and milk, as well as the production of feed and juices, have already been commissioned. In addition, ten more plants are at the implementation stage.

To stimulate such initiatives, special state support measures are provided. For example, for grain deep-processing projects, investment subsidies have been increased to 50%. In addition, exemptions from major taxes on equipment imports and core activities are предусмотрены.

At the same time, it was noted that a number of unresolved issues remain in the agro-industrial complex, affecting not only production indicators but also the standard of living in rural areas. While large-scale investments and compliance with agricultural technologies have made it possible to increase productivity in crop production, livestock farming is developing much more slowly.

Growth rates in this sector do not exceed 2–3%, which is insufficient to address food self-sufficiency, expand processing, and increase export volumes. Problems also remain in veterinary services, scientific support, and staffing.

Attention was also drawn to the fact that some large landowners operate only seasonally, while unemployment in villages increases during the rest of the year. Therefore, land users with more than 10 thousand hectares are required to engage in livestock farming. In case of non-compliance, measures up to land withdrawal are envisaged.

The Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan developed by the government includes concessional lending for the purchase of breeding stock, educational grants for the children of livestock farmers, the introduction of modern artificial insemination technologies, and the development of transhumant livestock farming.