Agriculture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Foreign Investment

Iranian Company to Build Oil Plant and Poultry Farm in Kazakhstan

Iranian companies are increasingly looking to Kazakhstan for investment and production as tensions between the United States and Iran continue. Iran’s Golrang Industrial Group plans to implement two major projects in Kazakhstan: the construction of a sunflower oil production plant and a poultry farm for meat production. Agreements on the projects were reached on May 4 between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly and Golrang’s leadership, with total investment estimated at approximately $120 million. At the meeting, Golrang Industrial Group expressed strategic interest in developing its business in Kazakhstan and localizing production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the first project involves the construction of an oil extraction plant with a processing capacity of up to 3,000 tons of sunflower seeds per day, with direct investment of approximately $70 million. The project is expected to increase the processing depth of Kazakh agricultural raw materials and boost the added value of finished products. Investment in the second project, a poultry meat farm, is estimated at approximately $50 million. The projects come against a backdrop of steadily growing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran. In 2025, bilateral agricultural trade increased by 55.8%, exceeding $341 million. Exports of Kazakh products, primarily wheat and barley, have also grown significantly.

Beef Prices

Meat Prices in Tajikistan Among Highest in Central Asia

Beef prices in Tajikistan remain among the highest in Central Asia, with average retail prices ranging from $10 to $11 per kilogram, higher than in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. By comparison, beef costs around $7.6 per kilogram in Kyrgyzstan, approximately $7-7.5 in Turkmenistan, and about $8.66 in Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan is at a similar level to Tajikistan, with prices averaging $10.85 per kilogram. Globally, meat prices continue to rise. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), prices increased by about 1% in March compared with February and were up 8% year-on-year. Analysts say the increase is largely driven by rising pork prices, particularly in Europe, along with reduced meat production in Brazil. At the same time, lamb and poultry prices have edged down slightly. Experts warn that declining production in the United States and Brazil, combined with strong demand in Europe, could push beef prices even higher. The highest beef prices globally are recorded in Switzerland, where they reach $45.72 per kilogram. Other high-cost markets include Norway ($32.67), Luxembourg ($27.09), South Korea ($25.23), and Singapore ($25.02). The lowest prices are found in Nigeria ($4.56), Pakistan ($4.70), Kenya ($5.17), India ($5.33), and Nepal ($5.40). Among former Soviet countries, price differences are also significant, with the highest costs in the Baltic states. In Estonia, beef is priced at $20.48 per kilogram; in Latvia, $13.71; and in Lithuania, $12.43. Mid-range prices are seen in Armenia ($11.59), Russia ($10.80), Azerbaijan ($10.64), and Georgia ($9.91). Lower prices are found in Belarus ($9.25), Moldova ($8.59), and Ukraine ($7.22). Despite high prices, domestic meat production in Tajikistan is increasing. According to official data, output of livestock and poultry (in live weight) reached 54,700 tons in January-March 2026, up 11.5% year-on-year. However, prices remain elevated due to supply shortages. The country meets only about 58% of domestic demand, while imports account for just 4-6% of the market. Imported meat, particularly from Belarus and Kazakhstan, is cheaper and helps contain prices, but due to consumer preferences it is mainly used in the food service sector and does not replace locally produced meat. Experts say the high cost of meat in Tajikistan is driven by structural factors, including underdeveloped livestock farming, feed shortages, and limited systemic support for farmers. Imports, they note, provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying causes of high prices.

Agriculture

Chinese Firm Eyes Virus-Free Potato Production in Kazakhstan

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.

Agriculture

Uzbekistan to Restrict Foreign Access to Farmland as Land Reforms Advance

Uzbekistan plans to stop offering agricultural land lease rights to foreign investors through auctions as part of a broader effort to improve land use efficiency, according to the presidential press service. The measures were presented during a government briefing on land reform, where officials outlined changes to the current system. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has shifted to an auction-based model for land allocation, removing the authority of local governors to distribute plots directly. During this period, more than 616,000 hectares of land were allocated through auctions, generating 1.4 trillion UZS ($115,940) in state revenue. Officials said the reforms have led to the emergence of private land users and increased productivity. Income per hectare has tripled to around 50-60 million UZS ($4,140-$4,970), while land allocated through auctions now produces goods worth an estimated 539 trillion UZS ($44,635,398,500) annually and generates $2.1 billion in exports. Despite these gains, authorities acknowledged ongoing challenges. Around 117,600 hectares of land remain unallocated, partly due to limited autonomy for tenants in how they use the land. To address this, the government plans to introduce a revised leasing system and auction an additional 100,000 hectares under new conditions this year, with stronger economic incentives for efficient use. A key change will affect foreign investors. Under the proposed rules, they will no longer be able to acquire land through auctions. Instead, access to agricultural land will be limited to secondary lease agreements arranged through regional authorities, and only for projects with a minimum investment of $10 million. These projects must also focus on developing underused land, including pasture and rain-fed areas. At the same time, participation in agricultural land auctions will be restricted to domestic farmers and entrepreneurs. Land designated for defense, border zones, forests, and cultural heritage sites will be allocated exclusively to Uzbek citizens. A unified lease term of up to 49 years is also proposed for all land categories. The presentation highlighted successful pilot projects in the Fergana Valley, as well as in Jizzakh and Tashkent regions, and Karakalpakstan, where entrepreneurs were allowed to independently choose crops. On 16,000 hectares, farmers planted high-yield and export-oriented crops, contributing to an estimated $150 million in exports in 2025. To support new projects, the government plans to offer financial incentives, including preferential loans of up to seven years with grace periods, subsidies for infrastructure costs, and compensation of up to 50% of packaging expenses. Authorities also intend to expand the use of modern agricultural technologies to increase land productivity. Officials also stressed the need to accelerate digitalization in the sector, noting that many processes, such as land reclassification and compensation calculations, are still handled on paper, causing delays and investor dissatisfaction. Plans include integrating cadastral, agricultural, and legal databases, as well as introducing transparent procedures for extending lease agreements.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan and China’s Snow Valley Agree to Build $100-200 Million Potato Processing Complex

The administration of Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region has signed a memorandum of cooperation with China’s Snow Valley Agricultural Group Co. Ltd. to implement a major investment project focused on potato processing, regional authorities have announced. The document outlines plans to establish a modern agro-industrial complex with an annual processing capacity of between 100,000 and 200,000 tonnes. The agreement was signed by regional governor Asain Baikhanov and representatives of the Chinese side, Wang Dengshe and Zhang Fan. The project is aimed at producing high value-added products. It includes the construction of a research and breeding center for potato cultivation and seed production, the launch of French fries manufacturing, and the development of storage, logistics, and distribution infrastructure. Total investment is estimated at between $100 million and $200 million. Regional authorities expect the project to create a full production and supply chain, reduce the shortage of deep-processing capacity in agriculture, and generate new jobs. “The regional administration is ready to support initiatives aimed at creating high-tech, high value-added production,” Baikhanov said. Founded in 2007 in Zhangjiakou, China, Snow Valley is a vertically integrated agro-industrial holding covering the entire production cycle from potato breeding and cultivation to deep processing. The company processes more than 800,000 tonnes of raw materials annually, including over 400,000 tonnes of frozen products. Its total storage capacity reaches 700,000 tonnes. The company is also engaged in breeding programs and has developed more than 80 potato varieties. Its production utilizes advanced technologies, including pulsed electric field (PEF) systems, which improve product quality and reduce oil consumption. Snow Valley exports its products to more than 40 countries. Following the visit, Chairman Wang Dengshe highlighted the strong potential of Pavlodar region and confirmed the company’s interest in long-term cooperation. “The Chinese company has confirmed its readiness to implement the project using modern technologies and local resources, while the regional administration has pledged comprehensive support, including infrastructure development, provision of resource bases, and administrative assistance,” the regional press service said. The project comes amid previous restrictions on potato exports. Kazakhstan earlier introduced a temporary ban on shipments outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) due to rising domestic prices. In autumn 2025, authorities also did not rule out reinstating such measures, although the market currently remains stable.

Agriculture

Uzbekistan Leases 4,000 Hectares in Belarus, Signs 60,000-Ton Export Deal

Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya region has agreed to lease 4,000 hectares of farmland in Belarus and signed a major export contract as part of efforts to expand agricultural cooperation between the two countries, according to Dunyo Information Agency. The agreements were reached during a working visit to Belarus by a delegation from Kashkadarya region. As part of the trip, Uzbek representatives visited livestock and retail facilities in the Vitebsk region, including the districts of Braslav, Shumilino, and Postavy, where they studied local production practices. Talks with the leadership of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee focused on strengthening economic ties and building joint production chains. One of the key outcomes was a deal between Uzbek companies “Asl Yuksalish Savdo” and “Muborak qorako‘lchilik” and the Belarusian “Sirotinsky” livestock farm. Under the agreement, the Uzbek side will lease farmland on a long-term basis to launch an agricultural project. The first stage involves breeding 1,000 head of cattle, marking the beginning of a broader investment in livestock production. At the same time, Uzbekistan is expanding its export presence in the Belarusian market. “Asl Yuksalish Savdo” signed a contract with the retail chain CJSC “Dobronom” to supply 60,000 tons of agricultural products annually. The shipments will include dried fruits, legumes, melons, and grapes. The visit also included discussions on tourism and cultural cooperation. The two sides agreed to organize study tours for tourism sector representatives to boost travel exchanges. Cultural ties are also expected to deepen, with plans for performances by the Kashkadarya Regional Theater in Minsk ahead of an upcoming high-level visit. The agreements build on broader economic cooperation between the two countries. Earlier this year, Belarus announced plans to increase bilateral trade with Uzbekistan to $2 billion by 2030. Speaking after talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin described the target as “ambitious but achievable,” noting that trade turnover is already approaching $1 billion.