Agricultural Newsletter of Central Asia January 2025
In this edition, we explore Uzbekistan’s new opportunities for farmers through expanded land use and agribusiness incentives, and Kyrgyzstan’s promotion of fish-and-rice farms to boost aquaculture and exports. Furthermore, Uzbek roses are expanding their international reach while Kazakhstan’s digital tenge has successfully been tested in the agro-industrial sector.
Digital Tenge Enhances Transparency in Agricultural Finance
Kazakhstan's digital tenge has successfully been tested in the agro-industrial sector.
As part of a pilot project led by KazAgroFinance JSC under Baiterek National Holding, digital tenge was converted and deposited into a second-tier bank.
This development marks a major step toward efficiency of government support for the agricultural sector and transparency of financial transactions and subsidy distribution for investments in the agricultural sector.
Kazakhstan’s Veterinary Sector Sparks Reform Debate
Kazakhstan’s veterinary system is under scrutiny. While the Ministry of Agriculture insists no major reform is needed - just better discipline and some administrative and legislative changes - some MPs strongly disagree.
With rising livestock numbers, outdated equipment, and underfunded veterinary services, dangerous disease outbreaks threaten both animals and people. Some key issues include overworked veterinarians, government laboratory testing efficiency, soaring vaccine costs.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture says change is happening through digitalization, new veterinary stations, and higher salaries. But the question is whether that will be enough.
New Opportunities for Farmers in Uzbekistan
A new presidential decree is unlocking more land for farming. Field edges, homestead plots, and neighborhood spaces can now be used to grow crops, expanding opportunities for agribusiness.
Key benefits for farmers and entrepreneurs include free seeds and seedlings provided by the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection, subsidies and free phytosanitary certificates to support exports, and greenhouses and storage facilities available for 3-year trust management with a 10-year buyout option.
Flourishing Family Rose Business Expands Globally
The Khuzhamov family of Andijan, Uzbekistan, has turned their rose farm into an international success.
Starting in 2010 on their 10-hectare farm, they overcame competition and perfected grafting techniques, now growing over 500 rose varieties, including those from the Netherlands, Serbia, and Africa. Their premium seedlings now dominate markets in Central Asia and beyond. 2023-2024 sales hit $550,000.
With a million seedlings produced yearly and plans to enter food and perfume industries with rose oil, syrups, and jams, the Khuzhamovs continue to spread beauty worldwide.
Kyrgyzstan Promotes Fish-and-Rice Farms
Uzgen fish farm, a state-owned facility, is now breeding carp species in fish-and-rice farms, an eco-friendly technique borrowed from Southeast Asia.
Fish loosen the soil and control pests, boosting rice yields per hectare. Fish waste acts as natural fertilizer.
Kyrgyzstan’s fish production has tripled since 2011, reaching 33,600 tonnes in 2023. The rapid growth turned Kyrgyzstan into a net fish exporter, with sales to foreign customers standing at 5,600 tonnes in 2023 according to official information.
This is only one example of the effort the Kyrgyzstan government makes to give further development impetus to aquaculture.
LVVN team Astana will bring you more updates and developments from this significant region in the next edition!
Sources: Kapital, ElDala, inform.kz, gazeta.uz, hatcheryinternational.com, Interfax