Agricultural Newsletter of Central Asia March 2025
This edition brings you the key developments and opportunities shaping Central Asia’s region, with a spotlight on Kazakhstan’s record-breaking agricultural exports, Uzbekistan’s ambitious poultry reforms and Kyrgyzstan’s green agriculture leap.
Kazakhstan’s Booming Agricultural Exports
Kazakhstan exported a record-breaking 16.1 million tons of agricultural products in 2024, valued at $5.1 billion - a 3.9% increase from the previous year. The growth reflects the country’s push to position itself as an agricultural power. Kazakhstan is increasingly integrating into international supply chains.
Processed goods - now 52% of all agricultural exports - reached new destinations. Export value of processed products climbed to $2.7 billion, led by sunflower oil, confectionery, meat, and sausages.
With domestic horse meat and poultry needs now largely met, Kazakhstan is preparing to scale up exports of both.
President Tokayev envisions Kazakhstan as one of the world’s top ten producers of deep grain processing products within a decade. His ambitious goals include doubling gross agricultural output and tripling labor productivity, though he acknowledged historical setbacks. Reforms are underway.
Kazakhstan’s Flower Imports Bloom
Kazakhstan’s flower imports soared 52.8% in 2024, reaching $93.6 million. The Netherlands remained a key supplier, contributing $17.6 million in exports - second only to Ecuador. Roses dominate the market, accounting for 65% of all imports.
Interestingly, local production is emerging: companies like Zhuldyz Flowers now cultivate 30% of their stock domestically. Export volumes, however, remain modest - just $7.7 million.
Kazakhstan to Launch First Olive Oil Plant
Kazakhstan is set to become the world’s northernmost olive producer!
A Georgian investor has planted 10,000 olive trees - and they’ve survived their first winter. Now, plans are in motion to expand to 1 million trees and build Kazakhstan’s first-ever olive oil plant.
Uzbekistan: Poultry as a Pillar of Employment and Trade
Uzbekistan is doubling down on its poultry industry, launching a multi-billion som program to support farmers with tax incentives, soft loans, and cheaper farm vehicles. New policies slash VAT by 50% for qualifying producers and cut import taxes on poultry transport vehicles from 70% to 5%.
The goal is employment for over 1 million people and producing 1 million tons of poultry meat by 2025. Export revenue is projected to hit $180 million this year alone.
Uzbekistan also plans to attract $420 million in poultry investment by 2030.
Dutch Flower Bulbs Reign Supreme
With spring in the air, demand for flower bulbs is thriving. The Netherlands maintained its status as the EU’s dominant flower bulb exporter in 2024, accounting for €82 million (83%) of total exports. Switzerland, the UK, and Kyrgyzstan were key destinations.
Despite competition, Dutch tulips, narcissi, and hyacinths remain global favorites - and opportunities persist in growing Central Asian markets.
Central Asia Spotlight
Kyrgyzstan Joins FAO’s Green Agriculture Initiative
Kyrgyzstan became a pilot country in the FAO’s Green Agriculture Initiative, joining Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in leading the region’s green transition.
With climate risks looming - glaciers are projected to shrink by up to 80% by 2100 - the government is urgently transitioning to sustainable farming, better water management, and green tech.
The country’s Green Economy Program emphasizes renewable energy and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Green Energy Partnership: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan - EU Corridor
Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved an agreement on strategic partnership with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in the field of green energy transition and development, which was initially signed during COP29 in Baku.
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan have committed to building a green energy export corridor to Europe. Feasibility studies are underway. The planned cable is to be routed via Georgia and under the Black Sea to Romania and Hungary.
LVVN team Astana will bring you more updates and developments from this significant region in the next edition!
Sources: The Astana Times, lsm.kz, kz.kursiv.media, PoultryWorld, Akchabar, qazinform.com,
Eurostat, sfera.fm