A recent report from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) predicts that Kazakhstan is set to become a major food surplus producer by 2035, largely due to its growing grain production capabilities. This projection comes amidst a complex regional landscape where food security remains a significant challenge for Central Asian countries.
Regional Food Security Forecasts:
- Kazakhstan: Expected to achieve food self-sufficiency levels of 127-143% by 2035 if state programs are successful. It will likely lead the region in food surplus production.
- Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan: Anticipated to see some improvements in food security.
- Tajikistan: Expected to experience a decline in food security, potentially falling to 53%.
Current Self-Sufficiency Levels:
- Grains: 132% self-sufficient
- Oilseeds: 151% self-sufficient
- Fruits: 65% self-sufficient
The region generally has high self-sufficiency in grains and oilseeds but struggles with fruits and certain other food products. While southern nations excel in fruit and vegetable production, challenges persist in areas like vegetable oils, grains, and sugar production.
Food Import Reliance:
- Countries like the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan are net food importers, while Kazakhstan stands out as a net exporter of food energy. Despite regional advancements, Central Asia continues to face food deficiencies.
Dietary Imbalances:
- The region’s diet is predominantly based on inexpensive plant-based products, with per capita consumption of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables falling below recommended levels in several countries.
Impact of Climate Change:
- Central Asia is experiencing rapid temperature increases, with projections of a rise between 2.0-5.7°C by 2085. This poses a threat to agricultural production due to potential glacier shrinkage, reduced river flows, and soil drying, which could slash crop yields by 30-50%.
- Changing precipitation patterns and temperature shifts could exacerbate these issues by affecting crop viability, increasing the risk of pests and diseases, and leading to extreme weather conditions such as droughts or floods.
Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Investments:
- The Kazakh government allocated 1.2 trillion tenge (US$2.5 billion) in 2023 for agricultural subsidies, loans, and investment projects. Key initiatives include a unified subsidy information system, support for greenhouses, and the Auyl Amanaty program to enhance rural incomes.
- Planned investments of 1.7 trillion tenge (US$3.5 billion) in 2024 aim to boost agricultural productivity and processing, with specific targets to increase the share of processed products to 70% by 2028.
Regional Cooperation and Future Prospects:
- The report underscores the need for regional cooperation to address food security challenges. Emphasized areas include sharing agricultural best practices, collaborating on food production and supply chains, and improving food safety systems.
- Strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing trade and industrial collaboration could attract foreign investment, improve food supply, and help the region cope with food security issues.
Overall, while Kazakhstan is positioned to lead in food production within Central Asia, significant challenges related to climate change, resource constraints, and dietary imbalances persist throughout the region. Regional cooperation and continued investment in agriculture will be crucial to addressing these challenges effectively.
Please find original version of article below:
https://astanatimes.com/2024/08/kazakhstan-to-boost-food-security-by-2035-say-experts/#:~:text=ASTANA%E2%80%94The%20Eurasian%20Development%20Bank,to%20its%20expanding%20grain%20production.
Photo Credit: Kazinform
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