Agricultural Import - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan Bans Apple Imports to Support Domestic Producers

The government of Kazakhstan has temporarily banned the import of apples into the country by motor transport until the end of the year. The decision to introduce the ban was made and announced late in August, but the ban took effect on October 8. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the ban will last during harvest to support domestic apple production. The move will allow domestic gardeners to sell apples at reasonable prices. During the off-season, apple imports will not be restricted. The government of Kazakhstan has taken support measures in the form of subsidies and preferential loans to develop domestic apple production. As a result, over the past five years, the domestic supply of apples has increased from 62.9% in 2019 to 80% in 2023. At the same time, local farmers are experiencing dumping from foreign producers. High competition with imported products reduces the profitability of domestic producers. With the parallel import of apples during harvest, Kazakhstanis need help selling their products. From January to July 2024, Kazakhstan imported about 107,000 tons of apples, 58% more than in the same period in 2023, from Poland, Iran, Uzbekistan, and China. During that period, apple imports from China increased 18-fold and from Iran — sevenfold. The ban does not apply to imports from fellow members of the Eurasian Economic Union—Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia—or to the international transit of apples through Kazakhstan's territory. Kazakhstan is the birthplace of apples — particularly the famous aport apples, which grow in the Almaty region. Translated from Kazakh, Almaty means “place of abundance of apples.”

Export/Import Agricultural Import Government Legislation Agriculture

Kazakhstan Bans Apple Imports as Big Harvest Expected This Year

On August 27, the government of Kazakhstan imposed a temporary ban on importing apples into Kazakhstan by motor transport until the end of the year. The ban does not apply to imports from fellow members of the Eurasian Economic Union -- Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture explained that this year's total apple harvest is projected to be 300,000 tons. This higher than average volume was achieved thanks to government support measures provided in previous years to cultivate apple orchards. In 2024, new apple orchards will have reached full fruiting capacities, and yields will increase by 18%, which will fully meet the needs of the domestic market. Kazakhstan is the birthplace of apples — particularly the famous aport apples, which grow in the Almaty region. Translated from Kazakh, Almaty means “place of abundance of apples.” Aport apples are distinguished by their large size, distinct smell, and succulent nature. One of the prominent landmarks in Almaty, the first sight to greet visitors to the Kok-Tobe Mountain, which looms over the city, is a granite statue of an apple with water gushing from its core. In 1970, there were 3.8 million aport trees in Kazakhstan, but by 1984, only 1.4 million remained. In 2012, scientific research began on the revival and rejuvenation of the variety, including establishing an experimental garden of aport grafted onto Sievers apple trees. In 2023, Kazakh scholars harvested the first fruits weighing 400–500g.

Agricultural Import Agricultural Export Bilateral Cooperation Trade Turkey Agriculture

Kazakhstan and Turkey to Increase Agricultural Trade

During Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov's visit to Turkey on August 12, agreements were signed for Turkish investments of $2 billion in Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector and trade in agricultural products Six projects have already been implemented in Kazakhstan with participation of Turkish investors. The imminent launch of a further ten projects totaling $553 million, include the construction of greenhouse complexes, plants for deep processing of wheat and beans, and vegetable storage facilities. Armada Gıda, one of Turkey's leading companies in producing and exporting agricultural products, is to increase the import of lentils from Kazakhstan, while Tiryaki Holding, is to import of 250 thousand tons of Kazakh wheat. According to Minister Saparov, in 2023, the volume of Kazakh-Turkish trade in agricultural products increased by 13%. Kazakhstan has long exported crop products to Turkey and following the abolishment of restrictions in June, Kazakh agricultural producers can now begin exporting livestock products. Minister Saparov stated that Kazakhstan expects a good crop harvest this year and is ready to increase the export of high-quality agricultural products to Turkey.

Agricultural Produce Agricultural Import Milk production

Kazakhstan to Double Milk Production in Three Years

Since 2021, Kazakhstan’s milk production has increased by almost 20% and exceeded 600 thousand tons. Over the next three years, that volume is set to double to 1.2 million tons, through a government preferential financing program announced by Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov at the 3rd International Forum of Dairy Farming and Processing, PRO Milk 24. The forum held in Astana last week, gathered over 500 milk producing and processing enterprises, as well as dairy industry experts from 12 countries, to share their best practices. The minister outlined government measures to lower the cost of milk. As animal feed accounts for up to 70% of the cost of milk production, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to diversify fodder crops, increase their yields, and develop efficient irrigation. At last year’s forum, it was reported that whilst Kazakhstan’s milk processing reached 2.1 million tons, the import of raw milk remained high, increasing from 580 thousand tons in 2022 to 800 thousand tons in 2023. In addition to increasing domestic milk production, Kazakhstan needs to reduce the share of imported dairy products, the bulk of which comprises cream, butter, and cheese. Speaking at the forum, Bauyrzhan Aitkulov, Director of the Projects Department at Kazakh Invest, stressed the importance of adopting new approaches to improve investment in the dairy industry and in this regard, said that the Government of Kazakhstan is introducing proactive mechanisms for attracting investment and expanding its measures of support.