On August 20, 2024, potato farmers from across Kazakhstan convened at the Potato Field Day, hosted by Eurasia Group Kazakhstan and held at Baymyrza-Agro 2018 in the Karaganda region. This event was a key opportunity to showcase cutting-edge solutions and technologies aimed at increasing the profitability of potato farming—an essential sector in Kazakhstan’s agriculture. Baymyrza-Agro 2018, recognized as one of the region’s leaders in potato cultivation, has embraced technological advancements to boost the quality and yield of its produce, setting a strong example for others in the industry.
Innovations in Potato Farming Technology
The main focus of the event was the presentation and discussion of modern potato cultivation technologies, ranging from seed selection to post-harvest storage. Attendees were particularly interested in the new potato varieties developed by Norika, which are being trialed under Kazakhstan’s unique climate conditions. The variety Gala, a staple for Baymyrza-Agro, has already shown promising results, with healthier plants and reduced water and disease management costs. This innovation is expected to deliver a high-quality harvest, signaling a bright future for the region’s potato farmers.
Furthermore, advanced biological products, including “MycoPro,” and fertilizers from the Italian company Biolchim, were highlighted for their potential to improve crop health and soil fertility. As noted by Emil Bagirov, CEO of Eurasia Crop Care, the use of these agro-technologies has significantly lowered operational costs for water usage and disease control while maintaining plant health and productivity.
Precision Farming and Digital Tools
A key feature of the field event was the strong emphasis on digital tools for precision agriculture. Solutions like TopCon, which aids in the management and monitoring of agricultural machinery, and Harvest Eye, which provides real-time data on potato tubers during harvest, were presented as game-changers. These technologies enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimizing processes such as irrigation and harvest management in response to climatic changes and quality standards.
Kazakhstan’s potato farming has lagged behind grain production in terms of digitalization. However, experts at the event, such as Sultan Kabkeshov, highlighted that tools like FarmLab from Stenon, which provides real-time soil data on nitrogen, phosphorus, pH levels, moisture, and temperature, can greatly improve yield management. Armed with this information, farmers can adjust fertilizer applications to match the needs of crops at various growth stages, leading to more efficient resource use and higher yields.
Efficient Irrigation Solutions
Irrigation was a major topic at the event, with Eurasia Water presenting their Zimmatic irrigation systems, which provide precise and uniform watering tailored to plant needs and soil conditions. Anna Palto, head of irrigation sales, emphasized that potato crops, known for their high water requirements, benefit significantly from such advanced irrigation techniques. Moreover, a new system by Lindsay—Perrot reels—was introduced, designed specifically for irregularly shaped or fragmented fields, addressing the unique challenges faced by many Kazakh farmers.
Post-Harvest Storage Technologies
The event concluded with a visit to the state-of-the-art storage facilities at Baymyrza-Agro, where the latest in potato storage technology was showcased. Gaugele’s advanced cooling, ventilation, and climate control systems ensure that stored potatoes maintain their nutritional quality and remain disease-free. Proper storage is critical to minimizing post-harvest losses and preserving the product’s market value. As Gaugele’s representative, Mr. Neumann, explained, advanced storage technologies guarantee the optimal conditions for preserving potatoes, ultimately extending their shelf life and profitability.
The Potato Field Day in Karaganda showcased an impressive array of solutions aimed at boosting the profitability of potato farming in Kazakhstan. From the adoption of new potato varieties and biological treatments to precision farming tools and efficient irrigation systems, the event underlined the importance of technology in modern agriculture. Digitalization, particularly in potato farming, offers a promising path to more sustainable and profitable practices. As climate change and market pressures grow, the adoption of these innovations will be key to ensuring the continued success of potato farming in the region.
