Kazakhstan is in discussions with China’s Inner Mongolia Muland Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd over the establishment of a high-tech facility to produce virus-free seed potatoes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The proposal was reviewed during a meeting between Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov and the company’s CEO, Wei Jinglong.
Virus-free seed potatoes are cultivated using in vitro techniques that eliminate pathogens and diseases, improving varietal purity and significantly boosting yields. Specialists estimate that such methods can increase output by 30-50% compared with conventional seed tubers.
Saparov said potato farming remains a strategically important sector of Kazakhstan’s agricultural industry. In 2025, potatoes were planted on 131,000 hectares, with total production reaching 2.8 million tons.
“Developing a technologically advanced domestic seed production system is a key priority for the sector. It is about building a sustainable foundation for food security,” Saparov said.
He added that expanding biotechnology and scaling up the production of virus-free planting material would help reduce dependence on imports and enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s domestic breeding programs.
At present, 22 specialized farms in Kazakhstan produce original and elite seed potatoes. Biotechnological laboratories, including the Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, play a crucial role.
The Chinese company has expressed interest in building a laboratory and greenhouse complex using advanced technologies to produce micro- and mini-tubers, drawing on its experience implementing similar projects.
“The project envisions launching industrial-scale production of high-quality seed material and developing export potential targeting Central Asian markets,” the ministry said.
Company representatives indicated they plan to begin implementation in the near term, with the first batch of seed material expected within a year.
The Times of Central Asia previously reported that another Chinese firm, Snow Valley Agricultural Group Co. Ltd, is planning to build a deep-processing potato facility in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region.
