Kazakhstan
Green agriculture in Kazakhstan encompasses sustainable farming practices that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources, reducing environmental impact, and building resilience to climate change. It is a cornerstone of the country's strategy to transition toward a green economy and achieve long-term food and water security.
Kazakhstan faces significant challenges due to climate change, including intensifying droughts, forest fires, and water scarcity. By 2040, the water deficit is projected to reach 50% of demand, and over 50% of glacier mass may be lost by 2100. Land degradation and desertification threaten two-thirds of the country’s territory, with 23% of the population already living on degraded lands.
Summary of priority directions for Green Agriculture transition in Kazakhstan
To address these challenges, Kazakhstan has identified the following priority directions for promoting green agriculture and sustainable development:
Rehabilitation of degraded lands to combat
desertification and improve soil fertility
Green financing and investments to support
the adoption of low-emission technologies and
build resilient agricultural infrastructure.
Water resource efficiency, including the
adoption of modern irrigation systems, water saving technologies, and the cultivation of low water-use crops.
Development of green technologies,
including renewable energy use in farming,
biotechnologies, and circular waste
management.
Promotion of sustainable farming
practices, such as organic farming,
environmentally friendly agrochemicals, and
precision agriculture.
Ecological education and public
engagement focusing on fostering a green
culture and empowering rural communities.
Green transformation in Kazakhstan: an overview
The "green economy" initiative prioritizes:
- Efficient resource utilization: Increasing the productivity of water, land, and biological resources while promoting sustainable management practices.
- Enhanced security: Strengthening both national and water security through optimized resource use.
Kazakhstan’s green economy transition is structured into three distinct phases:
1. 2013–2020: Foundations for Green Development
- Focused on optimizing resource use and enhancing environmental protection activities.
- Developed "green" infrastructure as a cornerstone for future growth.
2. 2020–2030: Economic Transformation
- Building on the green infrastructure, this phase emphasizes transitioning the national economy.
- Priorities include rational water use, promoting renewable energy technologies, and constructing energy-efficient facilities.
2. 2030–2050: Achieving Sustainability
- Transitioning to the principles of the "third industrial revolution", centered on the sustainable and renewable use of natural resources.
This phased approach demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to integrating sustainability across sectors, fostering a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
Figure 1: State planning system documents provided the framework for green agriculture.
Policies to support and promote green agriculture practices in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has created legislative and regulatory frameworks for further transformation of agrifood systems towards greening.
Green Practices
| Title | Granulated feed Almus |
|---|---|
| Introduction | The granulated fodder production project minimizes feed wastage and enhances the quality of livestock products, delivering positive environmental and social impacts. Additionally, it contributes to job creation and reduces reliance on imported fodder, thereby strengthening economic sustainability. |
| Start date | 20/05/2025 |
| End date | 20/05/2025 |
| Title | Method of wastewater treatment: Innovative methods of combating cyanobacterial bloom and algolization, cultivation of aquatic organisms and production of feed |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Development and implementation of an innovative and environmentally sustainable system integrating wastewater treatment with aquaculture practices to improve water quality and increase fish productivity in aquatic ecosystems. |
| Start date | 20/05/2025 |
| End date | 20/05/2025 |
| Title | Bioprotein production from natural gas |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Kazakhstan is actively advancing its production of protein-rich feeds and plant-based additives to enhance animal productivity and ensure balanced protein nutrition. These initiatives are integral to the nation's broader strategy to modernize its livestock and feed industries. |
| Start date | 19/05/2025 |
| End date | 19/05/2025 |
| Title | Phytoremediation: An Effective Tool for Cleaning Contaminated Lands |
|---|---|
| Introduction | In Kazakhstan, the issue of obsolete pesticides represents a significant environmental threat, impacting all components of the ecosystem, including soil, water, vegetation, fauna, and human health. |
| Start date | 20/05/2025 |
| End date | 20/05/2025 |
| Title | Development of biological protection using biopreparations and entomophages for the production of organic products |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Development of innovative technology for a biologized system for protecting agricultural crops, the implementation of which will increase the effectiveness of protective measures against a range of pests, reduce the frequency of chemical treatments, and contribute to a significant increase in yield and the production of environmentally friendly products. |
| Start date | 19/05/2025 |
| End date | 19/05/2025 |
| Title | Improving methods of biological control against the quarantine object - Tuta Absoluta based on UAVs and entomophages in the conditions of South-East Kazakhstan |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Development of a biological system of plant protection against pests using an unmanned aerial vehicle, providing for mass breeding of entomophages and complete elimination of pesticide use. |
| Start date | 21/05/2025 |
| End date | 21/05/2025 |
| Title | In vitro and in vivo screening of bacterial species from contaminated soil for heavy metal biotransformation activity |
|---|---|
| Introduction | This study has also generated preliminary findings on the use of plants for further removal of HMs from soil after microbial bioremediation. |
| Start date |
| Title | ToxicNet national network on chemical safety, persistent organic pollutants and obsolete pesticides |
|---|---|
| Introduction | This innovative practice leverages the power of community collaboration to address chemical safety issues. |
| Start date | 01/01/2024 |
| Title | Mobile app for field veterinarians |
|---|---|
| Introduction | This practice is frugal and utilizes a mobile app that works offline, allowing veterinarians to input data in the field without internet access. |
| Start date | 01/01/2024 |
News
Kazakhstan joins FAO–GEF effort on improved pesticide life cycle management
20/02/2022
Investment opportunities for climate-smart agrifood tech in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic
22/04/2022
Soil remediation and green technologies offer solutions to pesticide pollution and soil sustainability
29/05/2024
Events
19/4
2024
National workshop on green agriculture in Kazakhstan
19/04/2024
The event aims to introduce green agriculture as a holistic framework for transforming these systems, aligning them with sustainable practices to support Kazakhstan's green economy strategy.
16/4
2024
Conference on Bio- and Phyto-Remediation Technologies for Contaminated Agricultural Soil Towards Green Agriculture
Hybrid Event, 16/04/2024
In Central Asia, cost-effective approaches are needed to have a realistic chance for remediating the large volumes of contaminated agricultural soil. Since this is a challenging issue in the ...
Publications
Adoption of Climate Technologies in the Agrifood System Investment Opportunities in Kazakhstan
30/05/2022
This report summarizes the results of a rapid assessment of climate technologies in Kazakhstan’s agrifood sector based on this methodology. A similar assessment was conducted in the Kyrgyz Republic and summarized in a publication by EBRD and FAO.
Categories: Climate Change, Science and Innovation