Farmers and agronomists in Kazakhstan’s Aktogai District are embracing advanced techniques to overcome challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and pest infestations. Leading the charge is Aktogai-Agro, a progressive farm managing over 4,000 hectares. By integrating innovative water-saving practices and strategic crop rotations, the farm is setting new benchmarks for productivity and sustainability.
Smart Irrigation and Water Management
Water scarcity is a critical issue in Central Asia, where inefficient irrigation systems often lead to significant losses. Aktogai-Agro has tackled this by investing in a modern pumping station to draw water from the Irtysh River, ensuring consistent supply for moisture-dependent crops like potatoes and corn. Each irrigation machine covers 100 hectares, optimizing water use—a crucial step, given that agriculture accounts for ~70% of global freshwater withdrawals (FAO, 2023).
Further expansion is underway: a new 861-hectare irrigated plot, backed by 2.2 billion tenge in investments, will include 830 hectares under precision sprinklers. These systems, which use 250–350 m³ of water per irrigation cycle, align with global trends toward water-efficient farming.
Soil Health and Pest Control with Cover Crops
To combat pests like wireworms and improve soil fertility, Aktogai-Agro plants oilseed radish as a cover crop. This practice not only suppresses pathogens but also enhances organic matter—a technique supported by research showing cover crops can increase soil carbon by 8–10% (Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2023). The radish is later repurposed as silage, demonstrating a zero-waste approach.
Crop rotation plans are revised annually to include green manure, preventing soil exhaustion. This mirrors global shifts toward regenerative agriculture, which can boost yields by 13% over conventional methods (Rodale Institute, 2022).
Elite Seeds and High-Value Crops
Kazakhstan faces a shortage of quality potato seeds, prompting Aktogai-Agro to partner with Dutch company Noriko. This year, 88 hectares will be planted with elite-grade seed potatoes, including 140 tons imported from Germany and 40 tons from Russia for chip production. Such investments are critical: high-yielding seed varieties can double potato output compared to local stocks (International Potato Center, 2023).
The farm also plans a 10,000-ton capacity vegetable storage facility and a 1,600-head dairy farm, representing a 8.5 billion tenge investment. These projects aim to strengthen regional food security and export potential.
Government Support and Challenges
Regional akim Asain Baykhanov emphasized the need for disciplined funding use, citing past misuse of loans. Resolving power supply issues for new infrastructure remains a priority, with solutions expected at the provincial level.
Aktogai’s farmers exemplify how technology, sustainable practices, and strategic investments can revolutionize agriculture. From water-efficient irrigation to elite seed adoption, their model offers lessons for farmers and agronomists worldwide. As climate pressures mount, such innovations will be key to feeding growing populations while preserving resources.
