Agricultural Newsletter of Central Asia December 2024
In this edition, we explore Kazakhstan’s rise as a top supplier of oilseed meals to the EU, Uzbekistan’s ambitious expansion of organic farming, and Kyrgyzstan’s innovative efforts to safeguard livestock livelihoods. Our spotlight this month sheds light on the growing farmland crisis in the region - a critical challenge with far-reaching implications for food security and sustainability.
Kazakhstan Breaks into Top-4 Oilseed Meals Suppliers to EU
Over the first four months of the 2024/25 season (July–October), Kazakhstan became the 4th largest supplier of rapeseed meal to the EU, shipping 5,000 tonnes. This marks a significant breakthrough, as no exports were recorded in the same period last year.
Kazakhstan also secured 4th place in sunflower meal exports to the EU, with shipments reaching 18,300 tonnes. Despite geographical challenges, Kazakh products are now competing with European suppliers.
The future of Kazakh oil and fat trade will take center stage at the KazOil-2025 International Conference on February 13, 2025, in Astana.
EBRD and Kazakhstan Unite for a Carbon-Neutral Future
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Kazakhstan are partnering to achieve a carbon-neutral power sector by 2060. As the largest investor in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy, the EBRD is helping integrate new green energy capacity into the national grid while modernizing infrastructure in collaboration with Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC).
Key initiatives include the Green Cities program and the $150 million Kazakhstan Green Economy Financing Facility II, already boosting energy efficiency and climate resilience for businesses and households.
This partnership highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
Uzbekistan is scaling up organic farming with plans to expand certified organic cropland to 100,000 hectares over the next three years. Subsidies will support farmers in preparing land and obtaining Organic, Global GAP, Halal, and Kosher certifications.
To boost exports and reduce waste, Uzbekistan will focus on processing surplus crops like cabbage, beets, and watermelons, using technologies such as shock freezing and drying. Plans include 10 logistics centers, over 1,000 refrigerated warehouses, and 40,000 hectares of industrial orchards and vineyards.
Fruit and vegetable exports grew by $370 million in 2024, surpassing $2 billion, with a target of $3.5 billion in 2025.
Securing livestock livelihoods in Kyrgyzstan: Innovative Insurance for Climate Resilience
Herders in Kyrgyzstan face growing challenges from extreme weather, threatening their livelihoods and food security. To combat this, a groundbreaking forecast-based insurance project is being launched by InsuResilience Solutions Fund, Blue Marble Microinsurance, local insurers, and the Kyrgyz Forum of Rural Agricultural Services (KGFRAS).
This solution uses climate predictions to trigger early payouts, enabling timely fodder purchases to sustain livestock during droughts. By securing resources before crises hit, the initiative aims to safeguard rural livelihoods and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.
Central Asia Spotlight: UN Warns of Growing Farmland Crisis in Central Asia
Agricultural land across Central Asia and the Caucasus is deteriorating fast, with nearly 40% of Central Asia facing drought. Key contributors include deforestation, soil salinization, and over-grazing - issues worsened by global warming and poor land management practices like inefficient irrigation.
At COP29, officials stressed the urgency but offered few concrete solutions. While Uzbekistan proposed water-saving technologies, funding remains a major barrier. Wealthy nations pledged $300 billion annually for global climate action, far below the $1 trillion needed.
The stakes are high: soil degradation fuels urban migration, lowers living standards, and triggers a vicious cycle of social and environmental harm. Action is needed - now.
Stay tuned for more agricultural updates and developments from Central Asia in the next edition of the LVVN Astana Newsletter!
Sources: EU Reporter, inform.kz, Eurasianet.org, Insuresilience Solutions Fund, Interfax