Agriculture is one of the most important sources of growth for long-term sustainable development, economic diversification and improving the standard of living of the population in Kazakhstan. The country has enormous agricultural potential thanks to its large territory and the availability of important resources. Today, we will look at how the agricultural sector is developing in Kazakhstan, as well as some of the scientific research that has been conducted in this field.
Agriculture in Kazakhstan
In 2024, in accordance with the President's initiative, the problem of long-term underfunding of the agricultural sector was eliminated. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly strengthen support for the industry: significant financial resources were allocated for spring field and harvesting work, as well as for updating the technical base through the leasing of agricultural equipment.
For the first time in Kazakhstan's history, the volume of preferential lending reached 580 billion tenge at 5% per annum, whereas in previous years it did not exceed 160 billion. This enabled agricultural producers to implement all the necessary agrotechnical measures. The use of high-quality seeds also increased significantly: the share of elite varieties rose from 7.1% to 9%.
Small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, which make up the vast majority of loan recipients (90%), gained access to the resources necessary to expand their activities.
As a result, in 2024, Kazakhstan harvested a record crop for the last 13 years – 26.7 million tonnes of cereals and legumes. Production growth in crop farming was 21.1%, and in livestock farming – 3.2%, which ensured an overall increase in agricultural production by 13.7%. In monetary terms, gross output reached 8.3 trillion tenge.
The agro-industrial sector provides jobs for more than 1.1 million people, indirectly affecting the well-being of more than 4 million citizens of the country. This confirms its significant role not only as an economic sector but also as a factor of social stability.
At the end of the year, domestic food production reached 3.2 trillion tenge, and the physical volume index was 102.9%. The share of processed products reached 40%. To achieve the strategic goal of increasing this figure to 70%, a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Processing Industry until 2028 was approved. Within its framework, 286 new projects worth 279.6 million tenge were implemented in 2024, particularly in the field of flour and oil production. This contributes not only to meeting the needs of the domestic market, but also to developing export potential.
AGRIS: new opportunities for Kazakhstan
As part of raising awareness of the International Agricultural Science and Technology System (AGRIS), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) organised a webinar dedicated to Kazakhstan's participation in this global project. The event was attended by more than 60 representatives from the country's two leading agricultural universities – the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) and the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrarian Technical Research University (KATRU). This demonstrates the high level of interest in expanding open access to agricultural scientific information and strengthening international scientific cooperation.
During the webinar, the important role of AGRIS in implementing the principles of open science in the agricultural sector was discussed. It was emphasised that the platform promotes transparency, enhanced scientific cooperation and wider access to research results for farmers, scientists and agricultural policy makers.
The FAO office in Kazakhstan stressed the need to strengthen Kazakhstan's participation in the AGRIS system and raise awareness of the country's scientific achievements at the international level. Attention was also drawn to the benefits of joining the AGRIS network, in particular improving global access to research, strengthening the reputation of institutions and access to a multilingual scientific library.
FAO encourages Kazakhstani research institutions and higher education establishments to become part of the global agricultural information community in order to exchange knowledge and promote the development of agricultural science at the global level.
What is AGRIS?
AGRIS (International System for Agricultural Science and Technology) is a global information system created under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). It provides open access to over 15 million bibliographic records covering food, agriculture, natural resources, the environment and related areas.
The information in AGRIS comes from thousands of scientific institutions around the world and is available in more than 100 languages, making the platform a unique resource for the dissemination and exchange of agricultural knowledge at the international level. AGRIS promotes open science by providing access to scientific publications, reports, dissertations, conference materials and other types of literature necessary for specialists, scientists and policymakers in the agricultural sector.
Current scientific research in the field of agriculture in Kazakhstan
An analysis of the current state of agricultural science in Kazakhstan shows a growing interest in the introduction of innovations focused on digital transformation and automation of production processes in agriculture. Scientists are actively working on the development of technological solutions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector. Let's look at a few examples of such work.
1. Innovative solutions for optimising agricultural production using Internet of Things technologies (IoT)
One promising area of research is the application of IoT technologies in agriculture. These systems demonstrate significant potential for improving the management of production processes.
In particular, smart solutions make it possible to:
- continuously monitor soil condition, climatic conditions and product storage conditions
- automate irrigation and plant protection measures
- make rational use of water, energy and material resources
- reduce risks associated with the human factor
- increase the economic efficiency of agricultural enterprises
Such research demonstrates the Kazakh scientific community's desire to integrate modern digital technologies into agricultural practices. This is an important factor on the path to sustainable development of the industry in the context of climate change, limited natural resources and the need to ensure food security in the country.
2. Research on the yield of Kazakhstan's agriculture using unmanned aerial vehicles with artificial intelligence
The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with modern artificial intelligence technologies opens a new stage in the study of yield and rational management of Kazakhstan's agricultural resources. According to the latest scientific reviews, such technological solutions can significantly improve the quality of agricultural land monitoring, reduce time and resource costs, and ensure high accuracy of yield forecasting.
The main advantages of using drones in combination with machine learning algorithms include:
- the ability to obtain accurate data remotely from large areas
- automated image analysis and yield forecasting based on artificial intelligence models
- minimisation of the human factor in agronomic decision-making
- improved accuracy in assessing crop condition and the efficiency of fertiliser, water and other resource use
- adaptation of technologies to various climatic zones of Kazakhstan
Practical research shows that the use of UAVs allows for high-precision determination of vegetation density and crop area, and the combination of the data obtained with digital agricultural models contributes to increased yields and economic efficiency.
In general, the field of scientific research related to the use of drones and artificial intelligence in agriculture is one of the most promising for ensuring the sustainable development of Kazakhstan's agricultural sector.
3. Current state of oilseeds in the Republic of Kazakhstan
An assessment of the current state of the oilseed industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan indicates its dynamic development and strategic importance for the country's economy. Extensive acreage, the availability of modern breeding infrastructure and regular updating of varieties confirm a comprehensive approach to the modernisation of this area of agricultural production.
The main crops are sunflower, flax, rapeseed, soybean and safflower. Sunflower and flax are the leaders in terms of acreage. Soybeans are grown mainly in irrigated areas of the southern regions, while safflower is grown on rain-fed land. The annual update of the State Register of Varieties and Hybrids provides access to high-yield seed material, including the results of domestic selection.
There are ten research institutions in the country that specialise in oilseed breeding. Their work contributes to the creation of competitive varieties of sunflower, soybean, rapeseed, flax and safflower, which indicates the high efficiency of the domestic scientific school in this field.
Thanks to the combination of scientific potential, favourable agroclimatic conditions and targeted state support, Kazakhstan has all the necessary prerequisites to expand its presence in the international oilseed market.
Prospects for the development of agriculture in Kazakhstan
In order to reduce dependence on agricultural imports, Kazakhstan plans to implement 570 investment projects with a total value of 2.1 trillion tenge by 2027. Their implementation will contribute not only to economic growth, but also to the development of social infrastructure and improved living conditions in rural areas.
Among them are:
- 105 projects in the field of animal husbandry worth 152.1 billion tenge
- 101 projects aimed at building dairy farms worth 263 billion tenge
- 31 projects in the field of poultry farming worth 397.7 billion tenge
- 108 initiatives for the development of the processing industry, with a total cost of 582.6 billion tenge
Active investment in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) is a driving force for the modernisation of rural infrastructure, contributes to the creation of new jobs and strengthens the economic potential of the regions.
Thus, in 2024, 580 microloans were issued for a total of 6.5 billion tenge, which made it possible to create 744 new jobs. In addition, 3.6 billion tenge was allocated to support 145 agricultural cooperatives.
Ensuring food security and stable grain yields have a powerful multiplier effect on the national economy. This, in turn, stimulates the development of related industries – processing, machinery manufacturing for the agricultural sector, foreign trade and the social sphere.
At the same time, the growing needs of the agro-industrial complex for highly efficient technologies, modern management solutions and innovations highlight the need for in-depth scientific research. This covers a wide range of issues – from improving agricultural technologies, creating new drought-resistant crop varieties, developing precision irrigation systems, to introducing digital solutions in the activities of farms.
Thus, Kazakhstan's agricultural sector has significant potential for sustainable development, provided that investment activity, innovative approaches and scientific support are combined.
Scientific articles on agriculture
Specialists in the agro-industrial complex are not only engaged in production activities, but are also actively involved in scientific research. In the context of agriculture, the publication of scientific articles is of particular importance for several key reasons.
Firstly, scientific articles contribute to the widespread dissemination of knowledge and research results among specialists around the world. This is the basis for the development of the industry, the improvement of agricultural techniques, effective animal care, and soil protection and restoration.
Secondly, publications provide access to the latest technologies and innovative approaches that help farmers increase yields and optimise costs, making production more efficient and competitive.
Thirdly, scientific work is important for developing adaptation strategies in response to the challenges of climate change, particularly in combating erosion, soil degradation and drought.
Fourthly, research results contribute to improving the quality of agricultural products, reducing the use of chemical plant protection products and introducing environmentally sustainable farming methods.
In addition, scientific articles are an important source of information for the formation of effective agricultural policy, the development of legislation in the field of agricultural support, land relations and environmental regulation.
Another important aspect is the use of scientific publications in the educational process at agricultural higher education institutions, which ensures the training of highly qualified specialists capable of working with modern methods and technologies.
Thus, scientific research not only solves practical problems in agriculture, but also stimulates the development of fundamental science, promotes the integration of interdisciplinary approaches and the introduction of innovations. It creates the basis for strengthening the scientific potential of the state, substantiating agricultural policy and ensuring the sustainable development of the country as a whole.
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