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Harvesting data in the steppe

Kazakhstan is betting on agri-tech to boost productivity—and help feed a hungry world

December 13, 2024

6 min read

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December 13, 2024

By

6 min read

Photo by Kate Ibragimova on Unsplash.

Global food security remains a critical challenge, with nearly 600 million people projected to face undernourishment by 2030.

Economic downturns, conflicts, and climate-related events have driven this shortfall, highlighting the urgent need for increased grain and wheat supplies to stabilise markets and ensure food availability.

As the world works to tackle these issues, countries with extensive arable land and strong potential for grain production and export can play a key role in addressing global food security challenges.

Kazakhstan is one such country.

One of the world’s top ten grain exporters, its expansive arable land, favourable climate for cereal crops, and strategic location along key trade routes enable it to supply grain to regions experiencing shortages, such as Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Combining traditional agriculture with innovative digital solutions, Kazakhstan is now boosting efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

In 2024, the country harvested a record 26.7 million tonnes of grain, marking a decade-high and contributing to 12.7 per cent growth in its agricultural sector. Crop production rose by 18.8 per cent, supported by increased investments, while livestock production saw steady gains in meat, milk, and egg outputs.

Kazakhstan’s location as a bridge between Europe, Central Asia, and China provides it with a logistical advantage that is crucial for global supply chains. It serves over 70 countries with its grain exports.

Yet despite its large agricultural land base—over 215 million hectares—and ranking among the top globally in terms of arable land, Kazakhstan is only beginning to tap into its full agricultural potential.

Much of the untapped promise lies in how technology can be used to boost productivity and sustainability, particularly in the context of precision farming and digital agriculture. The government has recognised this and has made moves to invest in the digital transformation of agriculture, which aims to turn Kazakhstan into a regional leader in smart farming.

Sustainable modernisation

Kazakhstan’s push for agricultural digitisation is central to its Digital Kazakhstan programme, launched in 2018 to drive economic growth and improve quality of life through innovation.

By integrating technologies such as GPS-guided equipment, soil moisture monitoring systems, and digital platforms, the country aims to create a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system. Pilot projects in regions such as North Kazakhstan, Akmola, Karaganda, and Kostanay have demonstrated how precision agriculture optimises water, fertilisers, and seeds, boosting yields, reducing costs, and minimising environmental impact.

Kazakhstan is advancing sustainable agriculture through its Agro-Industrial Complex Development Concept (2021–2030), aligned with the Green Economy Transition and 2060 Carbon Neutrality Strategy. Measures include crop diversification, shifting from water-intensive crops like rice and cotton to high-yield alternatives such as oilseeds and vegetables, enhancing yields and soil fertility.

In 2023, 23.3 million hectares were sown. Water-saving technologies now cover 455,000 hectares, with plans for annual expansion and subsidies covering up to 80 per cent of implementation costs.

Efforts also focus on climate-resistant seed development, livestock productivity through genetic improvements, and the adoption of green technologies like solar panels, wind pumps, and organic fertilisers. Kazakhstan’s commitment to global sustainability initiatives, such as the Methane Pledge, is complemented by investments in precision agriculture, pasture restoration, and methane reduction, driving innovation despite challenges like limited rural expertise and financial constraints.

At COP29 in Baku, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources partnered with Paris-based Ormex and Chapter Zero Kazakhstan to promote regenerative agriculture.

This initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions, enhance soil health, and preserve biodiversity, fostering sustainable farming practices tailored to Kazakhstan’s landscapes. This partnership can integrate innovative techniques and training into national climate strategies, aligning the agricultural sector with global sustainability goals.

Another aspect of Kazakhstan’s digital transformation in agriculture involves improving connectivity in rural areas. In February, the World Bank approved a 92.43 million US dollars financing package for the Kazakhstan Digital Acceleration for an Inclusive Economy (DARE) Project, which aims to bring high-quality, climate-resilient broadband access to underserved regions.

Connectivity is a key enabler of modern agriculture, and by expanding internet access, Kazakhstan can ensure that farmers have the digital infrastructure necessary to access precision agriculture tools, digital marketplaces, and knowledge networks.

The Kazakh government’s spending on agriculture has increased, with preferential loans for farmers exceeding threefold to 1.1 billion US dollars in 2024. These funds are expected to rise to three billion US dollars in the coming years, providing the financial backing necessary for farmers to adopt new technologies and practices.

Furthermore, a four billion US dollars investment is being directed towards mineral fertiliser production, addressing the current gaps in fertiliser usage and enabling Kazakhstan to meet both domestic demand and enter export markets.

These investments are part of a broader effort to ensure food security—both at home and abroad. By increasing the production of key crops while also ensuring that the agriculture sector as a whole becomes more efficient, Kazakhstan can help to stabilise global food supplies.

International cooperation

These initiatives also include cooperation with international companies. Notable projects include Coca-Cola’s 55.2 million US dollars plant in Shymkent, PepsiCo and Carlsberg’s joint 500 million US dollars plant ventures, and a 152 million US dollars plant industrial greenhouse by Turkey’s Alarko Holding.

China’s Vodar is also investing 50 million US dollars in a rain machine production facility. The recent establishment of the China-Kazakhstan Smart Agriculture Center in collaboration with Lanzhou University and the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University aims to advance research in agricultural digitalisation, germplasm innovation, and low-carbon technologies.

Such partnerships are crucial for regional cooperation in food security, knowledge sharing, and addressing shared challenges in agriculture.

Kazakhstan attracts investors with a 70 per cent VAT reduction for agricultural producers, customs duty exemptions, in-kind grants, and subsidies for farm-to-market transactions.

Legal protections under the Entrepreneurial Code and support from platforms like the Council of Foreign Investors and the Investment Ombudsman further strengthen its investment climate for domestic and foreign stakeholders.

Kazakhstan is leveraging innovations and digitalisation to position its agricultural sector as a global leader in sustainability and efficiency. Precision farming technologies, including electronic field maps, satellite monitoring, and sensors, optimise crop production, while over 200 digital farms use drones and GPS for real-time soil and crop analysis. Livestock automation and traceability systems further enhance productivity, and innovations like scientific pasture rotation boost cattle weight and farm revenue.

The government is also focusing on digital literacy, equipping agricultural workers with the skills to use new tools and platforms. Digital platforms now connect farmers directly with suppliers and buyers, streamlining supply chains and reducing costs.

The adoption of new technologies is not without hurdles—limited access to financing, digital infrastructure, and the need for training are barriers that need continuous addressing.

However, Kazakhstan’s efforts to modernise its agricultural sector through digital innovation and sustainable practices highlight its potential to address global food challenges.

The country’s strategic location, vast arable land, and increasing investment in technology position Kazakhstan as a valuable contributor to supporting the international community’s efforts to ensure food stability.

Photo by Kate Ibragimova on Unsplash.

Saahil Menon

Saahil Menon

Saahil Menon is an investment analyst.

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