Agro-industrial complex should be key driver of economic growth, says Head of State

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the key objective is to give a new impetus to agricultural development, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.  

Comprehensive support is being provided to the agro-industrial complex, aimed at giving a new impetus to agricultural development. Kazakhstan has showed notable improvements in the Global Food Security Index, up to 32nd place in 2022, leaving behind all the CIS countries, stated the Kazakh leader, calling for transforming agriculture into a competitive advanced sector.

According to the Kazakh President, the agro-industrial complex should turn into a key driver of economic growth.

The agro-industrial complex should become one of the key drivers of economic growth, which is in the interests of business and the state. Above all, it’s important in order to ensure food security. The life and well-being of rural residents are directly related to the state of the sector, said the President.

Besides, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out the importance to continue to industrialize the agro-industrial sector.

In my last year’s state-of-the-nation address, I set the task to increase the share of processed products in the agro-industrial complex to up to 70% in three years. A number of projects aimed at reducing dependence on imports of the main foods are under implementation. In particular, 116 modern dairies are to be constructed in the future, with the milk production rising to 600,000 tons, said Tokayev.

The President went on to add that the government is working to launch the first specialized exchange, providing for civilized rules for livestock trade and eliminating unproductive middlemen between farmers and customers.

To note, the Kazakh capital of Astana is hosting the 1st Agriculture Workers’ Forum.