Agricultural Newsletter of Central Asia February 2025
In this edition, we explore key agricultural and environmental developments across Central Asia, highlighting initiatives aimed at boosting food security, expanding market access, and preserving biodiversity.
Kazakhstan to Launch Advanced Healthy Seeds Centre
Kazakhstan is to launch advanced Healthy Seeds Centre, set to open in 2026. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, will be based at the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine. Equipped with modern technology and staffed by top specialists, the Centre aims to combat crop diseases and improve seed quality.
One of its key objectives is to increase the use of domestic seeds to 80% by 2030. The Centre will analyze seed samples from farms across the country, employing innovative phyto expertise and seed recovery methods. Experts estimate that up to 70% of plant diseases are seed-borne, and the Centre's efforts could boost crop yields by at least 40%.
Kazakhstan Eyes European Dairy Market Expansion
Kazakhstan’s dairy sector is looking to access the European markets, but regulatory barriers remain a challenge.
While European demand for Kazakh cheese and yogurt is growing, companies should first comply with EU food safety and certification standards. The government is offering support in regulatory documentation, laboratory testing, and technical requirements to ease this process.
Additionally, Kazakhstan is investing in retail modernization, aiming for 70% of stores to meet international standards by 2029. These efforts will not only support exporters but also ensure high-quality dairy products for the domestic market.
Uzbekistan to Achieve Full Potato Self-Sufficiency by 2027
Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to reduce dependence on potato imports and transition to 100% domestic production by 2027. This year, 400 billion soums (29.6 mln euro) have been allocated for potato development, focusing on high-yielding varieties and advanced farming techniques.
The government is:
- Developing 3 million disease-free potato tubers using in-vitro methods
- Offering duty exemptions for imported seed potatoes for three years
- Providing cashback incentives on VAT for seed potato sales
Despite producing 3.7 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024, Uzbekistan still relies on imports, particularly from Kazakhstan, which banned potato exports in January 2025. The move toward self-sufficiency will strengthen food security and reduce market volatility.
Uzbekistan Adopts Landmark Food Security Law
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step in food security policy reform with the adoption of a national food security law, set to take effect in six months. The law consolidates all food security regulations into a single framework.
The Ministry of Agriculture will oversee the country’s food security policies, ensuring a stable supply of essential food products.
FAO and Kyrgyzstan Enhance Food Safety Standards
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health to enhance food safety and quality control. Launched in Bishkek on February 14, the initiative will:
- Train food producers in HACCP, GMP, and GHP standards
- Strengthen disease prevention and sanitation protocols
- Improve export potential by aligning with global food safety regulations
With over 600 million foodborne illness cases worldwide each year, the FAO sees safe food as a pillar of economic development and public health. The project builds on previous FAO efforts, which trained 1,500 farmers and food processors in risk management and quality control.
Kyrgyzstan’s Endangered River Otters Face Extinction
Kyrgyzstan’s Central Asian river otter is on the brink of total extinction. The species, once a top predator in river ecosystems, has nearly disappeared due to habitat destruction and pollution.
A recent workshop in Bishkek brought together scientists, environmentalists, and fisheries experts to explore solutions, including:
- Habitat restoration in protected areas
- Importing otters from other regions for repopulation
- Stronger regulations on trout farms, which are harming otter populations
The Central Asian river otter is listed in Kyrgyzstan’s Red Book of endangered species. If conservation efforts fail, the species could vanish entirely, further disrupting fragile aquatic ecosystems.
Sources: Kapital, 24.kz, Interfax, Daryo News
LVVN team Astana will bring you more updates and developments from this significant region in the next edition!