Kazakhstan intends to increase yields in agriculture by introducing digital technologies
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Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Dmitriy Mun reported at the Government session on the ongoing work on the implementation of innovative digital solutions in agriculture, primeminister.kz reports.
He said that the digitalisation of agriculture helps to use land more efficiently and facilitate the work of farmers.
For this purpose, we are introducing intelligent land management systems. We extract valuable information from big data. As a result, the economy grows and products reach from the producer to the buyer faster and easier," Dmitriy Mun said.
It was noted that today the Ministry of Agriculture provides 93 public services. Of these, 98 per cent are provided online. In 2024, more than 2.6 million electronic services were provided.
In addition, Kazakhstan is conducting satellite monitoring of land. In the past, checking the rational use of land was complicated. Inspectors travelled to the field and checked everything manually. All work was done on paper. The state databases were not connected with each other. Today this process has been simplified thanks to digitalisation. The Ger Inspector system has been launched, under which the following measures have been taken:
Satellite monitoring has been introduced - the entire territory of the country is now under control.
Landowners receive automatic notifications via SMS and personal accounts.
A unified database accessible to all state agencies has been created.
Now 116 million hectares of agricultural land are under monitoring. Since 2022, 12 million hectares of land have been returned to state ownership due to inefficient use. In 2025, it is planned to return another 2 million hectares. 5 million hectares of agricultural land have been redistributed for the local population," Dmitriy Mun said.
Deputy Minister added that the use of satellite monitoring and geo-analytics, autonomous robots and drones, proper forecasting can increase crop yields by 10-15%, reduce water consumption by up to 25%.
Such technologies are widely used, for example, in the Netherlands - the second country in the world in terms of agricultural exports," Dmitriy Mun explained.
Kazakhstan also plans to introduce AI agents to automate key processes in agriculture. In particular, such projects as:
- Chat-bot assistant with AI elements for subsidising agricultural applications - AI automatically checks applications and reduces the percentage of rejections due to incorrect data (errors are down from 30% to 5%).
- Intelligent soil analysis system - reduces manual labour by 75-80%, improves recommendation accuracy by up to 95%.
- Drones with AI for pest control - reduces crop losses by 25-30%.
Implementation of these projects is planned for 2025-2026.
It is noted that Astana Hub is actively helping to introduce digital technologies in agriculture. Startups from Astana Hub earned 4.7 billion tenge. New jobs have been created.
Digitalisation is a key factor in sustainable and competitive agriculture. Modern digital technologies have been introduced in Kazakhstan to ensure transparency of land data, effective monitoring of resources and reduction of bureaucracy. Kazakhstan's IT companies are developing world-class solutions to increase yields, reduce costs and manage risks. The goal for the future is to widely implement digital technologies, expand cooperation between government, business and science, as well as the use of IoT, drones, AI and Big Data," Dmitriy Mun summarised.
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Over 400 thousand tonnes of discounted diesel fuel prepared for agrarians for spring field work
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Measures to provide diesel fuel to agricultural producers in preparation for spring field work were discussed at the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev made a report, primeminister.kz reports.
According to him, January 30, the Ministries of Energy and Agriculture approved a schedule for the delivery of 401 thousand tonnes of diesel fuel for spring field work in 2025. Delivery will be carried out in the period from 1 February to 30 June 2025.
Previously, for 2 years, the price was held at 228 tenge per litre with delivery to the regions, which meant the final price - 250 tenge at agricultural producers with VAT, the margin of operators for the supply of diesel fuel - 22 tenge per litre, which is much higher than the margin of gas stations with lower operating costs.
The minister added that on 30 January 2025 the state regulation of AI-92 and diesel fuel prices was cancelled. The current price of diesel fuel recommended by the Ministry of Energy is 232 tenge per litre to the destination station in the regions. The final price is set by regional operators and may be 254 tenge, which is 45 tenge cheaper or 15% lower than the retail price of petrol stations.
To ensure transparency and control over the movement of diesel fuel for agrarians, measures have been taken:
- separate PIN codes have been obtained;
- colouring of diesel fuel in yellow, blue and red colours;
- creation of a separate virtual warehouse for diesel fuel in the electronic invoice system.
According to Almassadam Satkaliyev, shipments will be carried out by refineries on a priority basis in strict accordance with applications, payment and delivery of railway wagons by operator companies determined by regional Akimats.
To date, operators have been selected only for Kyzylorda region - 480 tonnes out of 9,980 tonnes or 4.8%. However, payment has not been received yet. In this regard, in order to provide farmers with diesel fuel in a timely manner, the head of the Ministry of Energy recommended to accelerate the selection of companies-operators to accelerate the shipment of fuel and lubricants and prevent overstocking of reservoirs of the GPP.
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Progress in preparation for spring field work: increasing profitable crop areas and supervision over funds targeted use reviewed in Government
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov considered issues of preparation for spring field work. Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev, as well as akims of a number of regions reported on the current situation, primeminister.kz reports.
In 2025, it is planned to sow crops on an area of 23.8 million hectares, which is 518 thousand hectares more than in 2024. The sown area of grain and leguminous crops will be about 16.6 million hectares (16.7 million hectares in 2024). The area of oilseed crops will increase by 365 thousand hectares, reaching 3.3 million hectares, including an increase in sunflower crops by 50.6 thousand hectares to 1.3 million hectares. It is also planned to increase potato crops by 14.9 thousand hectares, bringing the area to 136.8 thousand hectares, and buckwheat crops will increase by 41.5 thousand hectares to 147 thousand hectares. The area of sugar beet in 2025 will amount to 18.4 thousand hectares. The area of fodder crops will increase by 184 thousand hectares, reaching 3.4 million hectares. Cotton crops will cover 135.2 thousand hectares, and rice - 90.2 thousand hectares.
As for the provision of fuel and lubricants, 401 thousand tonnes of diesel fuel have been allocated for spring field work this year (taking into account the volume of production at the refineries). A schedule of assigning areas to refineries for the shipment of diesel fuel has been approved, and a fixed price of 232 tenge per litre to the destination station has been set.
Taking into account the costs of operators, the final cost of diesel fuel for agricultural producers will be 254 tenge per litre, which is 13-15% lower than the market price, which is 295-300 tenge per litre at gas stations.
Meanwhile, the akim of Turkestan region Nuralhan Kusherov said that in their region have already started field work. Also in Akmola region, according to the Akim of the region Marat Akhmetzhanov, this year it is planned to increase the area of potatoes by 352 hectares, and the total planting of potatoes will be 8.9 thousand hectares, which is 1.1 thousand more than in 2024.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stressed that the Head of State paid special attention to the development of the agricultural sector as one of the flagships of economic growth. In his report, the Head of the Government emphasised the need to expand sown areas under profitable crops, export-oriented and with high market demand.
This year the volume of financing of field work has been increased to 700 billion tenge, and funds for leasing services have increased to 200 billion tenge. More than 400,000 tonnes of discounted diesel fuel for agrarians have already been allocated.
All these measures, Olzhas Bektenov said, are aimed at a successful sowing campaign.
The state has taken all the necessary measures to carry out sowing operations. It is important to ensure effective and organised implementation of these measures. The Ministry of Agriculture should direct preferential lending only to support efficient and conscientious farmers," Prime Minister pointed out.
He stressed that akimats should constantly monitor the targeted use of allocated funds.
In addition, according to him, there is a need to provide agrarians with quality seeds, and the emphasis was placed on stimulating domestic producers. He also pointed out the importance of strict compliance with agricultural technologies, timely application of fertilisers and the use of plant protection products.
The plan of fertiliser application in Kazakhstan is only 59% of the scientifically justified norm, and the technical readiness of agricultural machinery is 75%. Olzhas Bektenov pointed out that by the beginning of mass sowing this indicator should be brought to 100%.
During the Government session, the head of the Government gave a number of instructions to ministries and akimats:
- For effective state support the Ministry of Agriculture together with the Holding Baiterek should take measures to optimise and simplify the procedures for lending and subsidies.
- The Ministries of Energy, Agriculture and regional akimats should ensure control over the supply of cheaper fuel in the established volumes. Akimats should provide complete data on regional operators within a week. I instruct to apply the strictest measures against companies and individuals who allow misuse of distributed fuel.
- The Ministry of Water Resources together with the Ministry of Agriculture and akimats should take measures for uninterrupted supply of irrigation water to farmers. Akimats should take measures on snow retention and moisture accumulation.
Prime Minister also stressed that the issues of timely conduct of spring field work are under special control.
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Olzhas Bektenov acquaints with Koshy master plan and new hospital construction
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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov got acquainted with the master plan of development of the city of Kosshy in Akmola region and checked the work on creation of social infrastructure being carried out in the region. Akim of Akmola region Marat Akhmetzhanov informed the Prime Minister about the socio-economic development of the region, primeminister.kz reports.
At the moment about 59 thousand people officially live in the city, while according to estimates the actual number of residents is more than 100 thousand people. The engineering networks, designed for 30 thousand inhabitants, are under enormous load. According to forecasts, the population is expected to grow to 150 thousand by 2038.
The new general plan provides for the expansion of the territory, updated functional zoning, as well as modernisation of engineering and transport infrastructure. Akim Kossha Azamat Kapyshev reported to the head of the Government on the planned measures to expand the housing stock of the city, opening of new social and infrastructure facilities, development of recreational areas, etc.
More than 360 hectares are allocated for the construction of new apartment blocks, for individual housing construction - more than 900 hectares. It is also planned to build 31 kindergartens by 2038,16 general education schools, a regional hospital and 7 polyclinics.
In order to develop the communal infrastructure and create additional capacity, it is planned to build a new boiler house, electric substation and power lines, water supply and sewage treatment facilities, etc. The construction of a new boiler house, water supply and sewage treatment facilities is planned. In 2024, works on gasification of the city from the Sary-Arka main gas pipeline will be started with completion in 2026. In addition, sites of production and communal enterprises will be built. To develop industry and create new jobs, an industrial zone with a total area of 264 hectares is planned to be opened in the north-western part of the city. The construction of a new road to the capital is planned.
In addition, it is planned to improve parks and pedestrian boulevards, open an amusement and recreation park with children's play and sports facilities. The total area allocated for green spaces will be 132.5 hectares. Territories are provided for administrative buildings, central stadium, ice palace, sports and fitness complexes, culture houses, new marriage palace, schoolchildren's palace, theatre, children's and youth sports school.
Special attention was paid to the solution of problematic issues.
In particular, Prime Minister got acquainted with the construction of a new fire station. After 4 years only 60% of works have been completed. The contracting organisation explains the lack of financing.
Under the contract almost 1.2 billion tenge has been allocated for the construction of the facility with modern equipment. Olzhas Bektenov stressed that no additional funds would be provided, only within the limits of the amount provided in the design and construction plans. Prime Minister demanded from the contractor to complete the work in the near future, otherwise the contract will be terminated.
He also reported on the solution of the long-standing problem of 537 shareholders, including the Lilac Garden housing estate. The new contractor promises to give the keys to 106 citizens by the City Day, 209 more will be able to move into the long-awaited housing under the programme of property buyout for socially vulnerable categories of citizens. In turn, Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev reported on the ongoing work to improve the relevant legislation.
During the working tour Olzhas Bektenov checked the work carried out in the region to improve the quality of medical services provided to citizens on the example of the construction of a multi-profile hospital in Kosshi.
The medical institution with a hospital for 350 beds and a polyclinic for 1,000 visits per shift will serve the population of the city and seven metropolitan districts of Akmola region. Today, medical care is provided to the residents of Koshy in state and private polyclinics for a total of 250 visits per shift. At the same time, the number of the attached population has grown from 24 thousand to 42 thousand people over the last 2 years. The construction of a multi-profile hospital will solve the issue of shortage of available capacities. There will be departments of surgery, traumatology, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, chemotherapy and others. In addition, the construction of two apartment blocks for medical staff and a boarding house for accommodation of non-resident patients is envisaged on the territory.
The facility is being built at the expense of private investments of Viamedis in the amount of more than 28 billion tenge. More than 9 billion tenge is planned to be spent on equipping the hospital with modern medical equipment of the German company Siemens. General Director of Viamedis LLP Aset Akhmetov informed the Prime Minister that construction and installation works are ahead of schedule. About 200 people are involved in them, construction materials are purchased mainly from domestic producers. The polyclinic is planned to be opened by the end of the current year, and the hospital - in 2026. The launch of the new medical centre will create 956 jobs.
Recall, that the Head of State at an extended Government session instructed to pay attention to all issues affecting the quality of life of citizens. The Government is working systematically to modernise social and engineering infrastructure.
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Irakli Kobakhidze invites Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to visit Georgia
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met today Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Kazinform News Agency reports citing the press service of Akorda.
Welcoming Irakli Kobakhidze, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated him on his reappointment as the prime minister of the country and wished him success in his responsible activity for the benefit of prosperity of Georgian people.
The President pointed out dynamic progress of Georgia in recent years emphasizing significant results of ongoing reforms and impressive growth of economy by 9.4%.
The President highly appreciated comprehensive development of the Kazakh-Georgian relations. According to him, Georgia has been a reliable partner of Kazakhstan in the Caucasia, with which Kazakhstan enjoys strong ties of friendship and close historical ties.
Kazakhstan and Georgia effectively interact at different levels, including cooperation between parliaments, governments and government agencies," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
In turn, Irakli Kobakhidze thanked the Kazakh President for a warm welcome and emphasized that Kazakhstan became one of the first countries he visited after his assumption of office.
He said that Georgia targets on fruitful development of multifaceted relations with Kazakhstan.
Strengthening the political and economic cooperation is of great importance for us. We are ready to actively support Kazakhstan’s interests in various formats, including multilateral platforms," the Georgian Prime Minister said.
Irakli Kobakhidze invited Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to pay a visit to Georgia.
The sides discussed the issues of boosting cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and modernizing transit infrastructure of the corridor.
The meeting also focused on the prospects for deepening the bilateral interaction on a wide range of issues, including trade, energy, investment, tourism, AI, digitalization, as well as pressing issues of international agenda and regional security.
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Olzhas Bektenov holds nuclear power development meeting
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The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reviewed the implementation of the instructions of the Head of State on the development of energy and the creation of a nuclear cluster, given at an extended Government session, primeminister.kz reports.
Taking into account the task set by the President on the advanced development of electricity infrastructure and creation of necessary reserves, the forecast balance of electricity for 2025-2031 was heard. In connection with the constantly growing consumption of electricity, the structure of capacities with new generation at the level of 26.5 GW until 2035, including through the modernisation of existing power plants at the expense of private investments, was envisaged.
Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev reported on negotiations with potential suppliers for the construction of the first nuclear power plant.
The head of the Government emphasised that the construction of nuclear power plants should ensure maximum economic effect for the country. When selecting a vendor, it is instructed to pay attention to increasing intra-country value, localisation of production, technology transfer.
Prospects for the development of nuclear science and educational programmes to train specialists for the nuclear industry were also discussed. The heads of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP Timur Zhantikin, National Nuclear Centre Erlan Batyrbekov, Institute of Nuclear Physics Sayabek Sakhiyev shared their expert vision.
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