Agro-Industry - The Times Of Central Asia

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Venture Investment

Agrobank Venture Fund Launches With $6.1 Million to Support Startups in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Agrobank has launched a $6.1 million venture fund that plans to invest in up to 75 startups, with agricultural technology and artificial intelligence among its main targets. AgroVentures was presented on September 23 during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026, held from September 22–25 at CAEx in Tashkent. The fund plans to invest between $25,000 and $500,000 in 60–75 companies. Its main focus will be agricultural technology and artificial intelligence, although it will also consider startups in areas including fintech, healthcare, education, and logistics. AgroVentures is aiming to more than double the value of its investments and eventually exit between eight and 12 companies, with those exits projected to be worth a combined $15–18 million. Zohidjon Yusupov, a venture capital specialist at Agrobank, told The Times of Central Asia that the fund would look at the strength of a startup’s team, the problem it was trying to solve, the size of its potential market, and whether its business model could be expanded. Agriculture will be a particular focus, with AgroVentures looking at technologies that could help farmers monitor crops to predict yields and use water more efficiently, as well as gain better access to markets and financing. “For example, AI-based monitoring can help farmers identify crop stress or diseases earlier, while smart irrigation technologies can help reduce water consumption,” Yusupov said. The fund’s first initiative is the Agrobank Corporate Accelerator, developed with Tashkent-based AI Station under a partnership signed on September 15. The 12-week program will select up to 20 startups to test their products with Agrobank and its business clients, with successful participants potentially securing investment or commercial partnerships. Applications are open until October 23 through the accelerator’s website.

Food Security

Turkmenistan Pushes for Food Security with International Help

As Turkmenistan works to modernize food production, representatives from dozens of foreign companies were in the country this week for meetings on the agricultural and food industries as well as the packaging of goods. The Agro Pack Turkmenistan-2026 event reflected the Central Asian country’s efforts to turn the corner on reported food shortages, import dependence and high prices over many years – and evolve as an exporter. The impact of climate change on farming yields, along with recent shipping disruptions and higher fuel and transport costs linked to the Iran war, pose challenges to many regions working to maintain a stable supply. The Food and Agriculture Organization, a U.N. agency dedicated to food security, signed a deal to open an office in Turkmenistan in January as the country stepped up its campaign to improve production and quality with international help. Visiting Turkmenistan at the time, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said it was the last country in the region without “representation” of the U.N. agency and that a “turning point” had arrived. “In Turkmenistan, traditional agriculture has its limits,” Qu said. “But through innovation and modern technology, you can unleash the biggest potential of your land in this region.” During his visit, Qu said he had spoken to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for one hour – far longer than he had expected. This week, Berdimuhamedov said in a message to participants in the May 12-14 Agro Pack conference that the state was coordinating with foreign companies to introduce “high technologies and innovative initiatives into large investment projects.” In addition, the president said, state-backed private Turkmen producers are making progress in “farming, livestock farming, the development of poultry complexes, greenhouse farms, meat and milk processing, the production of confectionery, fruit juices, juices and processed vegetables and melons.” The conference was held at Turkmenistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ashgabat and drew diplomats and business executives from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, China, and other countries. Azerbaijani companies participated in the exhibition, according to Azerbaijan’s embassy. One was Gözel Seeds, which has seed breeding operations in Spain, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. In another development, Kirill Zaitov, director of the Russian company AgroExport, said at the conference that there are plans to increase wheat flour supplies to Turkmenistan to 400 tons per day. Currently, the company exports 6,000 tons of products to Turkmenistan every month, according to the Business Turkmenistan website. Reports of food problems, including in Turkmenistan’s military, have persisted until recently. However, Turkmenistan reported a successful spring sowing campaign for potatoes and other crops that aims to increase domestic supply and reduce the need for imports.

Bilateral Trade

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister: Astana and Kyiv Seeking to Restore Trade

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister, Olexandr Mishchenko, discussed prospects for trade and economic cooperation, including the possible resumption of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, during a meeting on April 2 with Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the National Economy. In comments to The Times of Central Asia, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry representative said Astana and Kyiv are aiming to restore bilateral trade. Trade between Kazakhstan and Ukraine reached approximately $5.5 billion annually before the war but has since declined sharply. However, according to Kazakh data, the situation has begun to improve. The Ministry of National Economy reported that trade turnover between the two countries totaled $415.8 million in 2025, up 5.4% from $394.3 million in 2024. Kazakhstan’s main exports to Ukraine include ferroalloys, fertilizers, and rice, while imports from Ukraine consist of chocolate and other cocoa products, flour and confectionery, medicines, cheese, and cottage cheese. [caption id="attachment_46523" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image: Ukrainian Embassy in Kazakhstan[/caption] Astana and Kyiv also intend to expand the range of goods traded. During interdepartmental consultations held in Astana, the sides discussed trade, investment, agriculture, logistics, and humanitarian cooperation, with a focus on export diversification. They agreed to intensify business contacts, consider resuming the Intergovernmental Commission, and expand cooperation in priority sectors, particularly the agro-industrial complex. Mishchenko said the countries also plan to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and restore logistics chains. Until 2022, Ukraine provided key transit routes for Kazakh exports to Europe. Before 2022, a significant share of Kazakhstan’s westbound trade relied on routes passing through or near Ukrainian infrastructure. The war disrupted those pathways and forced a broader regional shift toward alternative corridors, including routes across the Caspian and South Caucasus, which remain longer, more complex, and often more expensive. “Territorial integrity remains the cornerstone of our cooperation. We are deeply grateful to Kazakhstan for its humanitarian aid: more than 600 tons were collected, particularly during the winter. This support was critical to Ukraine’s resilience,” Mishchenko said. The visit marked the first trip by a senior Ukrainian government representative to Kazakhstan in recent years. A large delegation of Ukrainian entrepreneurs accompanied Mishchenko, seeking to re-establish business ties with Kazakh partners. “Ukraine is already looking toward the post-war future, and concrete proposals for cooperation, including in energy, are being developed through bilateral engagement with Kazakhstan,” Mishchenko told The Times of Central Asia. “Kazakhstan’s energy resources create opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, including potential integration into Ukrainian markets.” Mishchenko noted that a Ukrainian business mission, the first in many years, visited Kazakhstan, including the Pavlodar Region, a major industrial hub with significant heavy industry and energy capacity. “This creates real demand for modernization, engineering solutions, and equipment supplies,” he said. The delegation held meetings with government officials, financial institutions, and business representatives, alongside regional visits aimed at launching joint projects. In Astana, talks were held with the leadership of Baiterek National Management Holding. Ukrainian entrepreneurs also visited the Astana International Financial Centre and the city administration, where they were briefed...

Food Innovation

Scientists in Kazakhstan Develop Antioxidant Supplement for Disease Prevention

Scientists in Kazakhstan are developing a dietary supplement containing antioxidants that is intended to help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The project is being carried out by the Kazakh Research Institute of Processing and Food Industry. The development is taking place in Almaty and is based on the use of domestically sourced plant raw materials, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry says the aim is to create an affordable functional food product with high antioxidant activity. The key component of the supplement is lycopene, a natural carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelons, and grapefruits. Lycopene is known for its antioxidant properties and its potential role in reducing oxidative stress, which is associated with the development of various chronic diseases. According to the ministry, insufficient intake of antioxidants may contribute to weakened immune function and an increased risk of chronic conditions. As part of the project, researchers have already developed technologies to produce powders from tomatoes and watermelons while preserving their biological properties. Freeze-drying and infrared drying methods are being used for this purpose. Official information indicates that the supplement’s formulation includes lycopene, tomato and watermelon powders, pumpkin seed powder, and safflower oil. This combination is expected to improve bioavailability and make the product convenient for regular use. The Ministry of Agriculture says the development reflects growing demand for functional foods both in Kazakhstan and internationally. The product could eventually be targeted for export markets. Officials also expect the project to reduce dependence on imported food additives, expand the domestic raw material base for the processing industry, and create new opportunities for the development of the agro-industrial sector. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on another innovation by Kazakh scientists: a mobile unit designed to process and store agricultural products for extended periods.

Economy

Tokayev: Kazakhstan’s GDP Could Reach $320 Billion by End of 2026

Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product could reach $320 billion by the end of 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a forum for parliamentary deputies. Speaking at the event, Tokayev noted that the global economy is facing heightened geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts, which he linked to declining trust between major powers and what he described as a weakening of international responsibility mechanisms. “Of course, the current situation directly affects our country’s opportunities. But despite this, we are overcoming challenges, maintaining steady economic growth, and consistently implementing our national strategy,” Tokayev said. According to him, Kazakhstan’s GDP reached $306 billion in 2025. He described this as the second-highest level among post-Soviet countries and the highest in Central Asia. Tokayev also said Kazakhstan had entered the world’s top 50 economies and cited forecasts by international financial institutions suggesting that GDP could reach $320 billion by the end of 2026. Investment and reserves Kazakhstan continues to attract significant foreign direct investment, Tokayev said, noting that net inflows had exceeded $150 billion. According to him, this represents about 69% of total investment directed to Central Asia. He added that the country’s financial buffers remain substantial. Gold and foreign exchange reserves stand at about $74 billion, while total reserves, including assets held in the National Fund, amount to approximately $139 billion. Industrial and agricultural growth Tokayev said economic expansion is being driven not only by overall growth but also by structural changes. In particular, manufacturing output has increased by more than 6% annually over the past two years. He also highlighted the importance of the agro-industrial sector, which he said affects the living standards of 7.4 million people, or about 36% of Kazakhstan’s population. State support for agriculture has increased in recent years. In 2025, more than $2 billion was allocated for concessional lending to farmers, which Tokayev described as the largest level of support provided to the sector since independence. According to Tokayev, government policy aims not only to expand agricultural production but also to develop a modern, export-oriented agro-industrial economy. He said that in 2025 around 250 new production facilities were launched in the sector, while international companies increased their presence in agricultural projects. Major investment initiatives involving foreign partners are being implemented in the Almaty, Akmola, Zhambyl, and North Kazakhstan regions, as well as in the city of Shymkent. Total investment in these projects exceeds $1 billion and is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, export revenues from Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector reached $7 billion in 2025, an increase of 37% compared with the previous year.

Agro Techno-Park

Kazakhstan’s First Agro Techno-Park Opens in Astana

Kazakhstan’s first agro techno-park has begun operations in Astana, creating a new infrastructure platform for the development and implementation of high-tech solutions in the agro-industrial complex (AIC). The project was launched at Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University and is aimed at supporting innovation in the Akmola region, one of the country’s key grain-producing areas. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the agro techno-park will serve as a hub for business incubation, startup support, and the piloting of modern agricultural technologies, with their subsequent introduction into Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector. The agro techno-park covers approximately 1,000 square meters. Its facilities include a production and engineering unit with a metalworking workshop for experimental and pilot projects, office space for resident companies, and a full-cycle laboratory complex. The site also houses the Kazakh-Australian Innovation Center for Molecular and Genetic Research on Agricultural Crops, as well as laboratories dedicated to agro-biotechnology and microbiology, physical and chemical analysis, and analytical research. “Today, it is extremely important that scientific solutions do not remain within the walls of laboratories but reach agricultural producers and deliver tangible economic results. The agro techno-park should become a link between scientists and agribusiness,” Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov said during his visit to the new facility. University Rector Kanat Tireuov said the agro techno-park lays the foundation for a new culture of technological entrepreneurship in the agro-industrial sector, supports the training of a new generation of specialists, and helps attract investment into applied scientific research. Its activities are expected to accelerate the market introduction of new crop varieties and hybrids, biological products, and engineering solutions, increase the sustainability of agricultural production, and strengthen the sector’s export potential. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan significantly increased its exports of processed, high-tech agricultural products last year.