The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, on July 22 held an inception workshop in Astana dedicated to the official launch of three strategic projects implemented under the FAO–Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP).
The workshop marked the beginning of the practical implementation of projects aimed at introducing innovative agricultural solutions, strengthening national scientific capacity, and enhancing the sustainability of Kazakhstan’s agrifood system, according to FAO in Kazakhstan.
During the workshop, a formal opening ceremony and an exchange of signed official documents confirming the launch of the projects took place. Under the FKPP, the first three projects approved by the Programme’s Steering Committee were presented:
“Development of a National Soil Organic Carbon Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System for Sustainable Agricultural Development and the Carbon Market in Kazakhstan”, aimed at developing climate-smart agriculture, improving the monitoring of soil organic carbon, and creating prerequisites for establishing a national carbon market.
“Improving Locust Monitoring and Forecasting in Kazakhstan Based on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)”, which foresees the implementation of modern digital technologies, increasing the accuracy of locust forecasting, and enhancing early warning mechanisms.
“National Initiative ‘Kazakhstani Varieties and Seeds’, Including the Revival and Popularization of Kazakhstani Apples, Particularly the Almaty Aport Variety”, focused on developing domestic breeding and seed production, strengthening cooperation between scientific institutions and producers, as well as preserving and promoting national agrobiodiversity.
Opening the event, Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Yermek Kenzhekhanuly emphasized the strategic importance of launching these projects for the development of the country’s agrifood sector.
“The launch of projects under the FAO–Kazakhstan Partnership Programme is an important step in the practical realization of state agricultural policy priorities. Today, we begin implementing initiatives aimed at developing modern locust monitoring technologies, strengthening domestic breeding and seed production, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. I am convinced that the joint work of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and FAO will not only increase the competitiveness of the agrifood sector, but also strengthen the country’s food security, ensuring sustainable development of the sector for the long term,” noted Kenzhekhanuly.
Deputy Regional Representative of FAO for Europe and Central Asia Raimund Jehle noted that the launch of the projects opens a new chapter in the partnership between FAO and Kazakhstan.
“Today’s launch of projects under the FAO–Kazakhstan Partnership Programme marks a new stage in our cooperation and confirms our shared commitment to developing an innovative, sustainable, and competitive agrifood sector. By combining advanced technologies, scientific knowledge, and international partnership, we create solutions that will help forecast risks more effectively, strengthen national capacity in breeding and seed production, implement climate-smart agriculture, and unlock new opportunities for Kazakhstani farmers. FAO highly appreciates the leadership of the Government of Kazakhstan and is confident that through joint efforts, we can achieve long-term results that contribute to strengthening food security and sustainable development of rural areas,” said Jehle.
