Kazakhstan imported 267,900 tons of seeds from other countries

Kazakhstan imported 267,900 tons of seeds  from other countries
Photo credit: pixabay.com

In 2018, Kazakhstan imported only 57,000 tons of seeds from other countries. In six years, this volume has increased by 4.7 times. This is what Vice Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly said at the Majilis’ session on agrarian issues, Kazinform News Agency reports.

According to him, the government subsidizes non-regionalized seed varieties, which results in deficit of 4-5 million tenge. He also complained about lack of systemic variety and seed control.

Meanwhile, as Yermek Kenzhekhanuly said, the share of domestic seeds increased from 51.7% to 78.2% as part of the 2024-2026 Comprehensive Plan of Selection and Seed Production.

The Government also increased the  compensation for equipment and specialized vehicles for seed producers from 25% to 50%.

In 2019-2024, the purchase of 21 units of vehicles and equipment to the amount of 540 million tenge was subsidized.

The vice minister also reminded that Kazakhstan joined the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants which guarantees protection of crop breeders’ rights as per the international norms, and enabled to attract foreign companies to seed breeding process.

On top of that, the Government has also introduced seed traceability system, which ensured control over variety testing, soil assessment and seed quality examination.

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