Kazakh PM Bektenov tasks to set up operational staff for harvesting campaign

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan chaired a meeting on preparation for the harvesting campaign, Kazinform News Agency reports.

During the meeting, it was stated that the government provided a record of 580 billion tenge for the sowing and harvesting campaigns. The country is to start the harvest in late August, as the readiness of technical equipment is at 98%, with 149 thousand tractors, 38 thousand combines and 14 thousand reapers to be deployed.

The head of the government instructed to set up an operational staff headed by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin to carry out the harvesting campaign so as to ensure coordination and control between relevant ministries, regional administrations and agrarians.

Quality harvest and preservation of crops is of special importance for the country… I instruct the agriculture ministry jointly with regional administrations to keep the course of harvesting under special control. It’s equally important to ensure proper storage conditions, said Bektenov.

Kazakhstani agrarians have been provided with 64 thousand tons of subsidized diesel fuel, with the possibility of provision of extra fuel, if necessary.

The country holds 30 million tons of grain storage capacity, which is enough to store grain in view of the expected new crop. However, the country is facing problems with high occupancy at some grain storage facilities.

Prime Minister Bektenov tasked to dispose of last year’s harvest before September 10 as well as prevent unreasonable growth in prices at grain storage facilities.

The Kazakh Premier highlighted the importance of exporting agricultural products, including to priority markets. The trade and integration ministry was tasked to step up the work in this direction with partners from China, the Middle East, African and other countries.