Kazakhstan: Massive greenhouse complex means less tomato, cucumber imports

The country's largest modern greenhouse complex worth 4.5 billion tenge (+/- €18mn ) was put into operation in Karaganda city. Vegetable growers promise that from then on, there will be no need for imported tomatoes and cucumbers. It is expected that the Karaganda greenhouses will ensure an abundant supply of fresh and quality vegetables. The complex covers 8 hectares. Along with old facilities, the entire complex supplies 40 tons of fresh vegetables to local markets daily.

According to Alexander Zabirov, director of the greenhouse complex, the main objective is to provide the Karaganda region with vegetables. "But even now the complex ships 10% of produced vegetables to the capital Astana and soon this number will increase up to 25%. Of course, if the harvest is in surplus, we will get into the Russian market," said A. Zabirov.

Uzbek tomatoes will have to squeeze themselves up as their Karaganda competitors are fresher and cheaper. Local agronomists hope to produce up to 8 thousand tons of vegetables a year in a long-term perspective. In a short-term perspective, it is necessary to recruit personnel for the greenhouse complex as more than 100 jobs will be created within a year.

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