The problems of vegetable growers were considered at a meeting of the Council on Agriculture of the Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Kostanay region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Vegetable growers are sounding the alarm due to difficulties in selling potatoes. Warehouses are full today, sales are worthwhile, there is no decent price for vegetables. A lot of cheap potatoes from Russia were imported into the country, and local farmers were forced out of the market.
Producers are forced to sell tubers to the public for 20-30 tenge below the cost price, which is more than 83 tenge per kilogram. Therefore, they ask the authorities to consider options for additional support for the industry, including the prolongation of contracts on the stabilization fund and repayment of debts on subsidies.
Kostanay residents claim that they are able to cover the needs of the region for all crops except onions. Potatoes are currently being produced enough, and it is easy to increase volumes for other vegetables.
However, after harvesting, difficulties arise with its sale. The organization of processing industries can solve them, but vegetable farms cannot master expensive investment projects. You will need help from the state or the arrival of a large investor.
The Association of Agricultural Producers of Kostanay region plans to unite the efforts of all public industry associations in order to make a joint proposal on the agro-industrial complex development program to the Government of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic.