Local farmers are gearing up to compete with vegetable suppliers from Iran, Uzbekistan, and Russia, carving their niche in the Kazakh market.
Arthur Kozhantayev for three years now, has been running his greenhouse complex, which he built himself, now closely monitors vegetable prices, having recently sold 15 tons of cucumbers. He hopes for government subsidies to support greenhouse maintenance, especially with the increasing demand for vegetables in the off-season. Thanks to subsidies for seeds and fertilizers, Arthur managed to double his greenhouse area. He believes he can now produce up to 100 tons of vegetables, with an early harvest of Dutch cucumbers expected in March. However, competition in the greenhouse business is growing. Four more greenhouse facilities are being constructed nearby.
According to Azat Kapanov, a chief specialist in entrepreneurship and agriculture, the Makhambet district hosts a large greenhouse spanning over 8 hectares, with other farms following suit. In the Baybarys district, a 5-hectare greenhouse is set to open next year. Yet, the government cannot subsidize entrepreneurs' heating costs for greenhouse complexes.
Currently, the government is considering additional subsidies for entrepreneurs in this sector, possibly reimbursing up to 30% of greenhouse construction expenses. Favorable loans are also offered under the "Agribusiness" program. Such industry support is crucial as greenhouse areas in Kazakhstan decreased by 232 hectares last year, intensifying the penetration of foreign vegetable suppliers into the domestic market.
Source: 24.kz