Our People > Dmitry Pokidaev

Dmitry Pokidaev

Journalist

Dmitry Pokidaev is a journalist based in Astana, Kazakhstan, with experience at some of the country's top media outlets. Before his career in journalism, Pokidaev worked as an academic, teaching Russian language and literature.

Articles

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Extends Ban on Chicken Egg Imports to Support Domestic Producers

Kazakhstan has decided to extend a ban on chicken egg imports in an effort to support domestic poultry producers. The restriction will also apply to imports from member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), despite the absence of customs borders within the bloc. The decision was made during a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade and Participation in International Economic Organizations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. The commission reviewed several key issues affecting the country’s food security and economic policy. “An import ban on chicken eggs will be introduced for six months, including imports from EAEU countries. The relevant order will be adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture,” the government press service said following the meeting. According to the government, Kazakhstan currently has 70 poultry farms, including 34 specializing in egg production, 29 focused on meat production, and seven engaged in breeding and reproduction. In 2025, domestic production of chicken eggs increased by 2.4% to reach 4.57 billion eggs. As a result, local production now covers approximately 98% of domestic demand. Kazakhstan previously introduced temporary restrictions on egg imports in December 2025, when the Ministry of Agriculture imposed a one-month ban on imports of fresh chicken eggs. That measure expired on January 11, 2026. Earlier, a similar restriction had already been in place from April 2025 for six months. Taken together, these measures effectively closed Kazakhstan’s egg market to imports for more than a year. The commission also reviewed the possibility of introducing restrictions on potato exports. After assessing domestic market conditions, however, officials decided not to impose export limits. According to the government, stabilized prices and sufficient domestic supply make it possible to maintain potato exports without additional restrictions. At the same time, requirements for exporters seeking beef export quotas will be eased. The decision takes into account the government’s Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan, which aims to increase Kazakhstan’s cattle population from 7.9 million to 12 million head. The program also seeks to expand Kazakhstan’s beef export potential and open new foreign markets. The Ministry of Agriculture will amend the existing quota distribution rules accordingly. Meanwhile, authorities decided to extend the ban on the export of breeding livestock, including female cattle, as well as young bulls, in order to preserve breeding stock and ensure sufficient supply for domestic meat processors. The restriction also applies to exports to EAEU member states. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan increased revenue from agricultural exports by more than one-third in 2025 compared to 2024.

2 days ago

Agricultural Export

Kazakhstan Increased Agricultural Export Revenue by More than a Third in 2025

Export revenues from Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex reached $7 billion in 2025, an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov. A year earlier, export revenues from agriculture totaled $5.1 billion. That figure was nearly 1.7 times higher than in 2018, when Kazakhstan’s farmers exported $3.1 billion worth of products. According to Taszhurekov, more than half of the export revenue in 2025, about $3.6 billion, came from processed agricultural products. Supplies of processed goods to foreign markets grew by 35% compared to 2024, when their exports amounted to $2.7 billion. “Significant growth in production allows us not only to fully supply the domestic market, but also to actively increase export volumes,” the deputy minister said. He also noted that the share of processed products in total agricultural output continues to rise. While it accounted for about 50% in 2024, preliminary data for 2025 suggests this figure has increased to 60%. Overall, Kazakhstan’s gross agricultural output rose by 5.9% in 2025, reaching 9.8 trillion tenge (about $19.6 billion). Among the sector’s key achievements were high yields of grain and oilseeds. Last year, the country harvested 25.9 million tons of grain in net weight, including 19.3 million tons of wheat. A record harvest of oilseeds was also recorded at 4.8 million tons, along with more than 1 million tons of legumes. According to Taszhurekov, changes in the structure of cultivated areas were the result of a policy aimed at agricultural diversification. The area planted with wheat was reduced by nearly 900,000 hectares, while the area under legumes increased by 275,000 hectares and oilseed crops expanded by more than 1 million hectares. “This creates a more sustainable agricultural model and expands the raw material base for processing enterprises,” he said. One of the most promising areas of development remains deep grain processing. By 2028, Kazakhstan plans to launch new production facilities with a total capacity of 5.8 million tons per year. Investment in these projects is estimated at approximately 1.9 trillion tenge (about $3.8 billion), and more than 3,300 jobs are expected to be created. The product range will also expand, with enterprises planning to produce amino acids, syrups, vitamins, and other high-value processed products. Taszhurekov also noted the expansion of state support instruments for the agro-industrial complex. Preferential loans have been introduced for processing enterprises to purchase fixed assets at an interest rate of 2.5% and to finance working capital at a rate of 5%. In addition, investment subsidy programs have been expanded. While the standard reimbursement rate is 25%, it has been increased for several priority sectors, to 40% for sugar production and egg processing, and to 50% for high-tech agricultural industries. “Thanks to the state support measures adopted, the industry is showing steady positive dynamics,” the ministry representative said. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan also plans to bring one of its iconic agricultural products, Aport apples, to international markets.

5 days ago

Light Industry

Kazakhstan Prepares Comprehensive Program for Light Industry Development

The Kazakh government has commissioned the development of a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening the country’s light industry sector, with the goal of creating new jobs and increasing production. The instruction was issued by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin to the Ministry of Industry and Construction during a meeting of the government headquarters responsible for ensuring economic growth. “Light industry is very important for us in terms of providing employment,” Zhumangarin said. “For example, the Turkestan region, the most densely populated region of the country, has the largest number of light industry enterprises. Further development of the sector will make it possible to create jobs and provide decent wages for the local population.” According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, Kazakhstan’s light industry has demonstrated steady growth over the past five years. By the end of 2025, output in the sector had increased by 13.2%, well above the planned growth rate of 3%, reaching $522 million. Despite these positive trends, the sector’s share of Kazakhstan’s manufacturing industry remains relatively small at around 0.8%. More than 60% of production comes from textiles, approximately 32% from clothing, and about 6.5% from footwear and leather goods. More than 97% of enterprises in the sector are small businesses. Participants in the meeting also highlighted several systemic challenges that require comprehensive solutions. These include developing the domestic raw material base, modernizing production facilities, improving regulated procurement mechanisms, and expanding financial support for the industry. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is also considering projects to cultivate and process industrial hemp for use in the textile sector.

6 days ago

criminal code

Kazakh Politician Proposes Softer Punishment for Citizens Who Join Foreign Military Conflicts

Zharkynbek Amantaiuly, a member of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, has submitted a request to Prosecutor General Berik Asylov and Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov proposing that penalties be reconsidered for Kazakh citizens who participate in armed conflicts abroad. According to the lawmaker, growing geopolitical tensions and the increasing number of armed conflicts worldwide are contributing to a rise in the number of Kazakh citizens involved in hostilities outside the country. He noted that groups recruiting foreign citizens often rely on deception and targeted recruitment campaigns to attract participants. “Unfortunately, the number of our compatriots who have fallen under such influence is growing,” Amantaiuly said. According to data cited by him, 23 criminal cases were opened in Kazakhstan in 2023 under Article 172 of the Criminal Code, which concerns participation in foreign armed conflicts. The number increased to 36 cases in 2024 and rose sharply to 141 in 2025. Of the cases registered in 2025, 26 citizens have been convicted. The offense carries a prison sentence of between five and nine years. Amantaiuly argued that many citizens end up in conflict zones due to social difficulties, misconceptions, or deception, often after being promised high-paying jobs. “Of course, no one goes to an armed conflict zone without a reason. Many of those who find themselves in such situations say they hoped to obtain well-paid employment. When they realize they have been deceived, they become involved in bloody battles in a foreign country and understand that there is almost no way back. Their parents, families, and loved ones suffer as a result,” he said. He also noted that in some countries, participation in hostilities as part of the official armed forces of a foreign state is not considered a criminal offense. According to Amantaiuly, strict criminal liability is typically applied to individuals who join terrorist organizations, commit war crimes, or act against the national interests of their own country. For this reason, the deputy proposed studying international legal practices and preparing amendments to Kazakhstan’s criminal legislation governing citizens’ participation in armed conflicts abroad. In his view, the law should introduce a mechanism for differentiated legal assessment. Such a framework could allow for suspended sentences, restrictions on freedom, or probationary supervision for individuals who were not members of terrorist organizations, did not commit war crimes, and voluntarily returned to Kazakhstan. The deputy also proposed developing a state program for the legal, psychological, and social rehabilitation of such citizens. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, several Kazakh citizens who fought in Ukraine as part of the Wagner private military company have received prison sentences of up to six years. At the same time, Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee is investigating stand-up comedian Nurlan Saburov. According to media reports, he allegedly transferred motorcycle equipment purchased with his own funds to the same Wagner unit.

6 days ago

Nature Reserves

Kazakhstan Plans to Expand Nature Reserves by Two Million Hectares by 2035

Kazakhstan plans to significantly expand its system of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) over the next decade. Under a new state strategy, the country aims to increase the area of nature reserves and national parks by 2 million hectares by 2035 and expand its forest fund by 0.8 million hectares. The targets are outlined in the Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity for 2026-2035, which defines key environmental policy priorities and long-term measures to protect natural resources. The first priority of the concept is the development of a unified ecological network and the expansion of the system of specially protected natural areas. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, creating and expanding such areas is one of the most effective tools for preserving biodiversity and is widely used internationally. By 2035, the area of specially protected natural areas in Kazakhstan is expected to increase from the current 31 million hectares to 33.2 million hectares. The second priority focuses on improving forest protection and developing sustainable forest management. The government plans to increase the country’s forest area to 14.7 million hectares, up from the current 13.9 million hectares, while ensuring more rational use of timber resources. The third area of the concept concerns improving systems for monitoring and protecting wildlife. The fourth set of measures focuses on protecting fish species and natural fish resources. Authorities plan to strengthen ecosystem monitoring and expand scientific research into risk factors affecting aquatic biological resources. The fifth and sixth areas address the conservation of plant life and the problem of pasture degradation, one of the country’s most significant environmental challenges. The concept was developed through interagency cooperation with the participation of international partners. In particular, the United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan provided support through a project funded by the Global Environment Facility. The Ministry of Ecology says the strategy should strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as one of Central Asia’s regional leaders in nature conservation and create a foundation for new international environmental partnerships. Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan is also considering the possibility of limited and strictly regulated exports of saiga horns from the rare steppe antelope whose population has increased hundreds of times over the past two decades.

1 week ago