Under the instructions of the Head of State on the development of the agro-industrial complex, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired the Government session to review the progress of spring field works.

Reports were delivered by the heads of the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, Ecology and Natural Resources, Water Resources and Irrigation, the Baiterek Holding, as well as the akims of Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, East Kazakhstan, and Kyzylorda regions.

Olzhas Bektenov noted that the Head of State attaches special importance to the development of the agricultural sector and strengthening the country’s food security, emphasizing that high-quality spring field works are a key condition for achieving these goals.

“The constitutional reform initiated by the Head of State is aimed at further modernization of the country, all sectors of the economy, and improving the well-being of the population. In this regard, strengthening food security and reducing import dependence are becoming particularly relevant. The key task at the moment is to conduct the sowing campaign with high quality,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

To this end, the Government has created all necessary conditions: financing has been allocated, measures have been taken to provide farmers with machinery, preferential fuel, and other resources. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the strict observance of agrotechnological requirements. This year, a plan has been set to apply 2.3 million tons of fertilizers and increase the share of elite seeds to 11.7%. The Head of Government noted that these targets must be fully achieved. It is also important to ensure timely plant protection measures, diversification of sown areas, and constant control over the supply and targeted use of preferential fuel.

Monitoring of weather conditions is also of great importance. In this regard, the Ministry of Ecology must provide farmers with up-to-date meteorological forecasts for prompt decision-making.

Special attention was paid to the renewal of agricultural machinery and the development of domestic mechanical engineering. It was noted that over the past three years, farmers have purchased about 70,000 units of new machinery, 90% of which is domestically assembled. The Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, together with the Baiterek Holding, were instructed to continue work on increasing the share of new machinery and maximally stimulating local production of agricultural machines.

In addition, measures for the digitalization of the agro-industrial complex were considered. It was noted that in his Address to the Nation, the Head of State placed special emphasis on the digitalization of the sector. The Prime Minister stressed that digital tools should be applied at all stages of agricultural production — from planning and process monitoring to accounting and sales of finished products. The need to scale up successful practices of introducing digital solutions and AI in agriculture was separately highlighted. It is also necessary to fully utilize the potential of farms with significant land resources and maintain stable growth rates in the crop production sector.

Following the meeting, Olzhas Bektenov issued a number of specific instructions to state bodies.

First. The Ministry of Agriculture, together with akimats and the Baiterek Holding, must optimize the procedures for reviewing applications and providing preferential financing with maximum coverage of farmers. It was emphasized that agricultural producers should not face excessive administrative barriers; all applications must be considered quickly and transparently.

In addition, to expand farmers’ access to financial resources, the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance must provide for a revolving financing mechanism, replicating the experience of North Kazakhstan Region.

Second. In connection with the risks of locust spread, the Ministry of Agriculture, together with regional akims, was instructed to ensure constant monitoring of the phytosanitary situation, carry out preventive and protective measures against pests, update locust spread forecasts, and strengthen inter-agency coordination for prompt response.

Third. Taking into account the beginning of the vegetation period, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, together with interested state bodies, must take measures to ensure stable water supply for irrigation in the southern regions.

“We need to more actively introduce water-saving technologies in agriculture. Provide priority financing for regions with a high risk of water shortage, implement a set of measures to stimulate farmers to switch to drip and sprinkler irrigation. In a number of southern districts, farmers’ complaints about water shortages have been recorded. These issues must be addressed on a continuous basis,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Overall, the Ministry of Agriculture, together with regional akimats, must ensure control over the timely completion of sowing works and high-quality implementation of the entire summer agricultural season.

Overall coordination was assigned to Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Government session #Spring field work

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