Kazakhstan: 12-hectare greenhouse to supply Almaty with vegetables
Construction of the large greenhouse has taken more than a year. But it's not just the size that matters: the greenhouse contains advanced technology and design, delivered by Dutch suppliers.
Each year, 7,000 tons of cucumbers and tomatoes are expected to be harvested from the greenhouse. Almaty residents consume 34,000 tons of tomatoes and 14,600 tons of cucumbers a year. Local production can't keep up with demand though, which is particularly bothersome in winter, when prices for tomatoes and cucumbers can be 4-5 times as high.
Hence, the Kazakhstan department of Agriculture wants to become more self-sufficient. One way to achieve this aim is by creating a network of greenhouses, on a total acreage of 50 hectares.
By reducing the reliance on imported vegetables, experts believe market prices could come down by as much as 20%. In addition to supplying to the local market, the aim is also to deliver produce to other regions in Kazakhstan, as well as to neighboring countries.
Source: Almaty TV / Kapital