In September 2024, agricultural cooperation between Russia’s Novgorod region and Kazakhstan took a significant step forward. During a briefing in Veliky Novgorod, key representatives, including the Deputy Governor Yevgeny Bogdanov, shared insights into the region’s growing partnership with Kazakhstan, particularly focusing on potato farming and the export of seed potatoes. The highlight of this collaboration is the production of potatoes in Kazakhstan, which will soon be used to make chips at a new factory in the Karaganda region.
Expanding Potato Trade: From Seeds to Chips
Dmitry Pavlyuk, head of a farm in Novgorod, shared details of his recent visit to Kazakhstan, where he explored the potential for exporting potatoes, specifically chip varieties. Pavlyuk’s farm had already shipped 100 tons of seed potatoes to Kazakhstan earlier in the year, and the results have been promising. He noted that Novgorod’s potatoes are thriving in the challenging climate of Karaganda, which has extreme temperature fluctuations and water shortages. Despite these obstacles, modern irrigation technologies, supported by government subsidies, are enabling Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector to flourish. Kazakhstan reimburses up to 80% of irrigation costs, a crucial factor in supporting potato farming.
A key element of this partnership is the opening of a large chip production plant in Kazakhstan, which will rely on Novgorod’s chip potato varieties. Unlike regular potatoes, these varieties are specifically bred to have lower sugar content, preventing the chips from browning or burning during frying. Pavlyuk emphasized the importance of selecting the right potato varieties to ensure high-quality chip production, noting that this attention to detail is already making Novgorod potatoes highly valued by processing factories.
Challenges and Opportunities in Kazakh Agriculture
Kazakhstan’s agricultural landscape, particularly in Karaganda, presents unique challenges due to its harsh continental climate and limited water resources. Historically, attempts to grow vegetables in the steppe regions were hindered by these factors. However, advancements in science and technology have provided solutions that are transforming the region into a viable area for agriculture. Potatoes are now a key crop, with growing demand for high-quality varieties that meet the needs of both fresh markets and processing industries.
Currently, Kazakh consumers mostly buy potatoes at local markets rather than in supermarkets, a trend that reflects the early stages of the country’s agricultural commercialization. However, with the growth of processing facilities like the new chip plant, the demand for high-quality, specialized potatoes is expected to rise. This shift represents a significant opportunity for Novgorod farmers, as Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector continues to modernize and expand.
Although Pavlyuk’s farm has focused on potato exports, he mentioned that other vegetables are not yet being exported, as the Novgorod market has not reached full saturation. However, the potential for exporting Russian-bred seed varieties remains strong. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s farmers are currently grappling with oversupply in grain and vegetable crops, which could pose competitive challenges for Russian exporters in the future.
The Future of Russian-Kazakh Agricultural Cooperation
The success of this year’s potato exports has strengthened the relationship between Russian and Kazakh farmers, and both sides are eager to continue collaborating. With the new chip factory in Kazakhstan set to boost demand for specialized potato varieties, Novgorod farmers are confident that their seed potatoes will continue to perform well in the Kazakh steppe.
Looking ahead, Pavlyuk believes that 2025 will see even stronger cooperation between the two regions, as the positive results from the current potato crop bolster confidence in the viability of this partnership. The use of modern farming techniques, coupled with strategic government support, has set the stage for continued growth in the agricultural sector, benefiting both regions.
The collaboration between Novgorod and Kazakhstan marks an exciting development in agricultural trade, with the production of potato chips serving as a symbol of the growing relationship between the two regions. By focusing on specialized chip varieties and leveraging modern irrigation technologies, farmers are overcoming the challenges posed by Kazakhstan’s difficult climate. This partnership not only strengthens economic ties but also highlights the potential for further advancements in cross-border agricultural cooperation.
