On September 25, an international seminar-council on “Developing the Export Potential of Domestic Sheep Husbandry through the Introduction of Cooperation Mechanisms, Effective Use of State Support Measures, and Investment Attraction” was held at the “Ush Anyk” conference hall of Shakarim University, organized by the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Kazakhstan and the “Research Institute of the Economy of the Kazakh Agro-Industrial Complex and Rural Development” with the support of the Akimat of Abai Region.
The important event was attended by Berik Uali, the Akim of Abai Region; Tilektes Espolov, President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan; Esenbai Islamov, Chairman of the Board of the Research Institute of the Economy of the Kazakh Agro-Industrial Complex and Rural Development LLP, First Vice-President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences; Erlan Baidaulet, Vice-President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, specialist in international relations and integration; Toleutai Rakhimbekov, national expert in agricultural policy development, Doctor of Economics, Academician of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, and Honorary Academician of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of Kazakhstan; as well as domestic and foreign scientists and agricultural experts. They analyzed the current state of the domestic sheep husbandry sector and discussed concrete ways to modernize and develop the industry.
The seminar was opened by Tilektes Espolov, President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Sciences, who then gave the floor to Berik Uali, the Akim of Abai Region.
“The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in this year’s Address, emphasized the need to elevate agriculture to a new level, stressing that without rapidly advancing applied agricultural science, it is impossible to sustainably develop the agro-industrial complex over a long period,” said the regional leader. According to statistical data, the region accounts for 6% of all small livestock in the republic. Of the more than 22 million sheep nationwide, about 1.5 million are in the Abai Region. The region has achieved a 25% level of small livestock breeding improvement. Therefore, we have the opportunity to carry out work in this direction,” he added, noting the construction of a new meat processing plant in Semey. The head of the region also conveyed a special proposal to the scientists.
Askar Kasymov, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Social Development at Shakarim University, noted that significant attention is being paid to agricultural research at the university and highlighted ongoing projects in this field.
A New Impetus for the Sector – From Processing to Export
During the seminar, Ertai Kuanbaev, Head of the Department of Agriculture of Abai Region, spoke about the current state and development of livestock farming in the region. Kanat Kaliyev, CEO of “Eurasia AgroSemey,” gave a presentation titled “Projects of Eurasia AgroSemey in the Development of Domestic Sheep Husbandry: Challenges and Prospects.” He introduced the company’s modern meat processing complex, fully compliant with international standards and equipped with deep processing technologies. The complex is capable of slaughtering 700 small livestock and 70 large cattle/horse heads per day, producing 8 tons of sausages, canned and semi-finished products. Additionally, a fattening yard for 7,000 heads of small livestock is being built on the territory of the meat plant, and a fattening complex for 10,000 heads of large cattle and horses is being launched at the “Prirechnoye” agricultural firm’s farm. This complex will ensure uninterrupted supply of livestock to the meat processing plant. Animal feed will be grown at the “Prirechnoye” farm base and on additional irrigated plots in Abai Region.
This enterprise will contribute to the formation of Kazakhstan’s national meat brand, becoming a reliable partner producing high-quality products in both domestic and foreign markets. A network of branded stores selling the company’s meat products is planned to be opened across Kazakhstan. This project will not only ensure food security in the country but also help establish the national meat brand and enter international markets.
International Cooperation – The Key to Development
At the seminar, Erlan Baidaulet, Vice-President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences for International Relations and Integration, gave a report on international cooperation within the framework of the “Sheep Husbandry Development Fund.” He noted that one of the Academy’s goals is to promote Kazakhstan on a global level in agricultural products and agrotechnologies.
The Academy maintains close ties with agricultural academies in Russia, China, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, as well as leading agricultural universities in Europe, Asia, and the USA. Cooperation has also been established with international organizations such as FAO, ICARDA, CIMMYT, UNDP, OIC, and IFAD.
Aigul Akhmetzhanova, national expert in agro-industrial complex processing, food industry, and logistics, spoke about “The Role and Importance of the Cluster Approach in Developing the Export Potential of Livestock Farming.” She highlighted the advantages of the cluster system, which ensures interconnection of production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing chains in the comprehensive development of livestock farming. According to the expert, this approach not only improves product quality but also enhances competitiveness in export markets.
Professors Muhammad Kamar Bilal and Muhammad Saif-ur-Rehman from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) shared their experience in sheep husbandry and the production of various goods from sheep products and raw materials.
Halal Standards and Food Safety – The Way to the Market
Seid Kaja Arifuddin, leading technical specialist for the CIS and Central Asia at “Atyab International Services” (Sultanate of Oman), emphasized the importance of introducing Halal standards and food safety protocols in Kazakhstan’s sheep husbandry. He discussed adapting livestock care, slaughter, and processing to Islamic norms and national requirements, ensuring product quality and safety to increase consumer confidence. He also highlighted the integration of Halal and HACCP standards as a means to enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
During the seminar, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Akimat of Abai Region, the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Kazakhstan, and the Research Institute of the Economy of the Kazakh Agro-Industrial Complex and Rural Development. This document will enable the region to enhance its agricultural potential, introduce scientific innovations in agriculture, and develop personnel and innovative cooperation.
The seminar held at Shakarim University comprehensively covered new methods for developing sheep husbandry, international experience, and opportunities for state support. It was emphasized that investment projects, scientific research, and the introduction of international standards can bring qualitative changes to the sector. This was an important meeting that paves the way for the domestic sheep husbandry sector to reach a new level.
As part of the event, guests from near and far visited Shakarim University’s research laboratories and toured the construction sites of the “Eurasia AgroSemey” company in Semey, aiming to exchange experiences, establish partnerships, and strengthen cooperation between agricultural science and production.
