In Kazakhstan, it appears that fresh vegetables in the spring of 2024 may become more affordable than they were a year ago. Owners of agricultural greenhouses are set to receive a 25% reimbursement for expenses related to electricity, gas, seeds, the adoption of new agricultural technologies, drip irrigation systems, and the purchase of fertilizers. However, these subsidies will be available only to greenhouse owners who meet national standards, as reported by Caravan.kz.

The situation regarding vegetable harvests and expectations for 2024 are crucial to understand. Prices for vegetables and fruits have decreased by an average of 1.8-2.3% since the beginning of autumn, mainly due to seasonal factors. Yet, this summer, farmers in the southern part of the country faced significant challenges as a lack of water led to crop failures. While neighboring Kyrgyzstan did not provide the expected irrigation water, it’s now imperative for Kazakhstan to take matters into its own hands.

Azat Sultanov, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, recently announced plans for constructing vegetable storage facilities between 2023-2025. Currently, there are already 901 such facilities with a capacity of 1.8 million tons in operation, with additional plans for 646 more, totalling nearly one and a half million tons.

To be eligible for subsidies, greenhouse owners must adhere to the requirements of the National Standard implemented on May 1 of this year. Compliance with these standards qualifies them for a 25% subsidy. Additionally, a 50% discount is available for those who use or expand drip irrigation systems. These incentives aim to support the development of greenhouse agriculture in Kazakhstan.

Source: Horti Daily

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In Kazakhstan, greenhouse owners are facing bankruptcy as the majority of cucumbers and tomatoes are being imported from Turkmenistan at low prices. Consequently, Kazakh farmers with greenhouses struggle to sell their produce at a fair price, leading to financial distress.

Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin responded to the issue, stating, “There is such a problem. We have established standards for farm greenhouses. Now, we want to create accreditation. They will receive government assistance, such as subsidies for gas, electricity, and so on. From January, farmers begin planting vegetables in greenhouses.”

He acknowledged the alarming situation and highlighted measures taken to protect the domestic market. Zhumangarin explained that closing the border is challenging due to mutual agreements, but contingency plans exist if the share of imported products rises.

One reason for the increasing prices of greenhouse products in Kazakhstan is due to the issue of fuel and coal. Turkmen authorities reduced gas prices for their greenhouses, making their produce less expensive. Meanwhile, Kazakh greenhouse owners purchase coal at the same price as many others, leading to increased expenses.

Source: Horti Daily

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Tajikistan’s commitment to agricultural innovation is evident in the continuous evolution of greenhouse cultivation methods. Alif Tolibov, the director of the Institute of Horticulture and Vegetable Growing, highlights five approaches, emphasizing the importance of selecting crops suitable for each method and prioritizing disease and pest-resistant varieties.

Geographical advantages, fertile soil, a skilled workforce, a mild climate, and an established market position in Tajikistan are favourable for greenhouse expansion. The success stories of farmers like Madjid Shoyev, who cultivates Meyer lemons, and Azamat Abdurakhmonov, who produces thousands of tomato seedlings, showcase the profitability and potential of greenhouse farming.

As an example, an experienced grower from the Ozodagon jamoat, Pyanj district, Khatlon region, Majid Shoev is interviewed. He built greenhouses with an area of 7 acres on his personal plot, where Meyer lemons grow. This type of subtropical plant grows well in greenhouses.

“Over many years of practice, local breeders managed to create a variety of citrus fruits that are resistant to external influences and even transfer seedlings of young lemon trees to other farms. In the first greenhouse there are 120 bushes over 5 years old, and in the second – 50 seedlings of three years old. Of course, the work has its own nuances. To get the desired harvest, it is necessary to follow agrotechnical rules. Lemon seedlings begin to produce a good harvest after three years. Seedlings over 5 years old yield up to 80-90 kilograms, and three-year-old seedlings yield up to 30 kilograms,” said Majid Shoev.

Growing lemons, he said, despite certain subtleties, is a profitable industry.

Tomato seedlings

According to another agrarian from the village of Chorbog jamoat Ishmurod Niyazov, Kubodiyonsky district, Azamat Abdurakhmonov, up to 30 thousand tomato seedlings are grown in his greenhouse with an area of 1 hectare. Depending on the season, the greenhouse employs up to 20 local people. On average, the greenhouse can harvest 61 tons of crops per year, including 36 tons of tomatoes and 25 tons of cucumbers.

“To grow vegetable crops, it is necessary to monitor soil and air humidity, temperature, provide the plants with sufficient light, regularly fertilize them, and fight pests and diseases. Greenhouses allow you to harvest several crops a year. The harvest season in greenhouse conditions begins in November and lasts until May,” he explained.

These efforts contribute to local markets’ winter resilience and also hold the promise of stabilising prices. As Tajikistan continues to invest in and adopt advanced agricultural practices, the expansion of greenhouse areas signifies a positive trajectory for the country’s agricultural sector, the director says.

Source: Horti Daily

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