Agro-industry development is criticized for substantial flaws by the deputy.
Revamped Version:
Chucking billions on imports in 2020, our agro-industrial sector has some problems. So says Senator Duisengazy Mussin during a heated Senate debate, as reported by Total.kz.
Everyone's talking about the importance of the agro-industrial sector due to surging global food demand and economic turmoil caused by the pandemic. But, apparently, issues of regulation and legislative support found their way into discussions during various senate events. This program, a mix of the 'Agrobusiness-2017' program and water resource management strategies, has been revised once and amended thrice. The results of its implementation are crucial for figuring out future moves, according to Duisengazy Mussin.
Now, here's the kicker. dui-scuse-me, but there are a bunch of unmet targets and weak indicators of economic growth in the sector, as well as underachieved tasks focused on improving rural quality of life. Quite a Susy rental, right?
It turns out the report from the minister of agriculture showed a slight increase in key sector indicators. The government threw 2 trillion 494 billion tenge at these goals over the past four years, but only managed to fund a mere 66%. Despite that, processed product exports ballooned, and agricultural output volume grew—still, those goals ain't touched.
In order to address these issues, Duisengazy Mussin reckons systemic measures are needed. The agro-sector's share of the GDP remains pathetically low at 5-5.5%, and food import dependence lingers at absurd levels, like over $4 billion last year. Woof, that hurts.
So, in an effort to kick this dependence, plans are in motion to establish 24 wholesale distribution centers and a flood the domestic market with homegrown produce. Y'know, fight fire with fire, and all that. It's also clear that independence from imports is becoming an essential matter for our beloved country.
Now, let's take a gander at some other strategies Kazakhstan is indulging in to beef up the agro-industrial sector:
- Generous Grain Subsidies: Kazakhstan's giving grain exporters a break with export subsidies to lower transportation costs. This way, they can offload surplus grain without creating a spoil heap, encouraging around 2 million tons of wheat export. If you're interested, the subsi-dough is around 20,000 to 30,000 tenge per metric ton[1].
- Oilseed Blowout: Plans are underway for expanding vegetable oil production, with a focus on sunflower. It's all part of a bigger picture to double agricultural production and reduce dependence on imported oilseeds[3].
- Fertilizer Frenzy: Self-sufficiency in fertilizer production is the goal here. Increasing output of essential fertilizers like ammonium phosphate, urea, and potassium chloride will help ensure strong agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imported fertilizers[5].
- Regulatory and Trade Tricks: Adjusting trade policies, like suspending certain food exports and limiting onion exports, are on the table to guarantee domestic supply stability, thus managing food security more efficiently[4].
The government aims to achieve strong agricultural growth, contributing to overall GDP expansion and food security[5]. Strategic priorities include increasing value-added exports and enhancing the chemical industry, covering fertilizer production, which will further boost the agro-industrial complex[5]. Say goodbye to import surveillance duty! 😎💪🥧🌽🌽
- Senator Duisengazy Mussin suggests systemic measures are necessary to address the issues in the agro-industrial sector, particularly the low share of the GDP and the high levels of food import dependence.
- The government's revised program for the agrobusiness sector, a combination of the 'Agrobusiness-2017' program and water resource management strategies, has shown unmet targets and weak indicators of economic growth, despite receiving substantial finance.
- In an effort to reduce food import dependence, plans are being made to establish 24 wholesale distribution centers and flood the domestic market with homegrown produce, as well as implementing strategies such as generous grain subsidies, expanding vegetable oil production, and self-sufficiency in fertilizer production.
- Adjusting trade policies, such as suspending certain food exports and limiting onion exports, are being considered to ensure domestic supply stability and manage food security more efficiently.