We launched the Kazakhstan stage of the Potato Enthusiast project together with Alexander Matvienko, Executive Director of the Union of Potato and Vegetable Growers of Kazakhstan. This visit is part of the International Potato Tour (Международный картофельный тур, IPT), which kicks off in Kazakhstan. Our first stop: Aktogai Agro (Pavlodar Region). We looked at how the farm runs people, machinery, irrigation, and nutrition to stay on track through a tight season.
People and incentives
Staffing is challenging—as everywhere. The farm’s answer is fair pay and clear incentives. Management says the monthly payroll exceeds US$100,000, with the bulk going to machine operators (plus grain processing and office).
For 2024/25 they introduced a labor participation coefficient and two key bonuses:
- +15% for strict adherence to ag operations (sowing, planting, service);
- +10% for mentoring (training juniors with documented outcomes).
A windy, sunny spring
Moisture was in the soil but evaporated quickly due to heat and wind; May brought almost no rain. Potato planting ran May 3–6. Because the previous autumn was rainy and the harvest dragged on, most field prep shifted to spring.
Soil health: stubble, cover crops, and “karnash”
The farm keeps biomass on the field: stubble retention after cereals, cover crops for incorporation, and in maize—part to silage, part to karnash (harvesting only the cob while shredding and retaining green mass). They estimate 25–40 t/ha of plant material remains in the field, improving structure and water holding.
Irrigation & nutrition: moving toward UAN, locally
Each machine is fitted with flow meters and pressure sensors. The plan is to produce UAN (urea–ammonium nitrate) on-site using CZR make-up systems—avoiding the logistics burden of liquid fertilizers. UAN trials under irrigation will run on a seed block, where they expect lower losses versus granules.
Spacing, grades, and yield: a “Gala” discussion
Base geometry is 75 cm between rows. This season, Gala was set at 34–35 cm in-row (~43k tubers/ha). Experience shows that 27 cm (~46–47k/ha) can deliver 48–49 t/ha in graded yield vs. 37–38 t/ha at 32 cm. The point isn’t to “squeeze” tubers—it’s to ensure full ridge feeding area via uniform application and proper ridge formation.
Varieties and the market
Commercial leaders are Gala and Vega (Norika). Vega wins on looks and taste; Gala remains a stable bestseller. Taste is largely technological—and achievable on sands and heavier soils alike.
Young agronomy talent returns
A young agronomist summed it up: “I learn from mistakes and aim to grow in yield and quality.” Yield is counted at sale, not at storage: cash flow is what develops the farm and the village.
Takeaways
- Operational discipline pays: +15% for tech compliance, +10% for mentoring.
- Keep biomass on the field: 25–40 t/ha boosts structure and moisture.
- Local UAN production: cheaper logistics, better targeting under pivots.
- Density = function of nutrition & water, not habit.
- Commercial mindset: measure yield by what’s sold.
The International Potato Tour (IPT) continues across Kazakhstan—next up are more farms and technologies in Pavlodar and neighboring regions.
