The results of work on the return of unused and illegally allocated agricultural lands to state ownership were reviewed at a regular meeting of the Republican Commission for Control over the Rational Use of Land Resources, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov reported that since the beginning of 2026, 354 unscheduled inspections have been conducted on a total area of about 1 million hectares. 261 orders were issued to eliminate violations of land legislation, covering nearly 500,000 hectares.

Cultivation of agricultural land on 340,000 hectares has begun under previously issued orders. Court proceedings are underway for the forced seizure of plots totaling 357,500 hectares. In total, more than 563,000 hectares of agricultural land have been returned to state ownership.

Special attention is being paid to involving returned lands in agricultural turnover and ensuring pasture provision for the population.

In accordance with the Head of State’s instruction, a phased plan for land redistribution until mid-2026 has been approved. As of April 20 of this year, 10.8 million hectares out of the planned 13.5 million have been put into circulation. In the first quarter, the plan was fulfilled by 102.3%.

At the same time, some regions are lagging behind the set targets, particularly Aktobe, Atyrau, Mangystau regions, and Ulytau Region.

A separate emphasis was placed on ensuring pasture supply. Over the past two years, the pasture deficit in the country has been reduced to 3.2 million hectares. Work is underway to update and re-approve pasture management plans aimed at rational land use, forming a sustainable fodder base, and preventing land degradation.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also taken systemic measures: updated relevant legislation, approved rules for rational pasture use, and expanded financing mechanisms through local budgets. However, the problem of pasture shortage for personal subsidiary plots remains relevant.

The results of control over land use in settlements were criticized. Since 2025, 875 inspections have been carried out on a total area of only 6,900 hectares, which is disproportionately small compared to the scale of agricultural land. Violations were identified in 94% of cases. Particularly low activity was recorded in cities of republican significance, where inspections covered only 4.8% of the total area.

During the meeting, representatives of Ulytau and Mangystau regions were heard, where weak performance was noted and a shortage of pastures around settlements persists.

“The President’s instruction must be fulfilled. It is necessary to accelerate the return of agricultural lands into circulation. Lagging behind by individual regions is unacceptable. Strengthen your work,” Serik Zhumangarin instructed.

In addition, legislative initiatives in the field of subsoil use were considered, providing for the possibility of transferring land plots for sublease between subsoil users. Due to conceptual disagreements between state bodies, the issue was sent for further consideration.

Following the meeting, akimats were instructed to ensure the full involvement of returned agricultural lands into circulation by July 1, 2026, to complete the approval of pasture management plans, to provide financing for the development of pasture infrastructure, to strengthen explanatory work with the population, and to ensure systematic control and intensify the detection of unused lands, including in settlements.

The implementation of these measures is aimed at increasing the efficiency of land resource use, sustainable development of the agricultural sector, and improving the quality of life of the rural population.

#Agriculture #Serik Zhumangarin

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