Akmola region is one of the leading regions in the agricultural sector of our country. However, the region is located in a high-risk agricultural zone. In this regard, preparations for this year's sowing campaign began earlier than usual. This will reduce the adverse effects of weather and allow for stable yields.
Regional Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov held a regional meeting with agricultural producers and leaders of the most productive districts. He also visited large enterprises in the region and got acquainted with the process of preparing agricultural machinery, harvesting and processing products.
“Spring sowing is a very responsible period. At a recent expanded meeting of the Government, the Head of State set specific tasks for further increasing the potential of the agro-industrial complex. The President noted that although the agricultural sector achieved good results last year, it is necessary to increase the volume of soft loans for spring sowing and harvesting. We must use every day as effectively as possible. This is the main condition for reducing risks and ensuring the food security of the region,” Marat Akhmetzhanov noted.
Regional Governor called on farmers to intensify work to fully provide them with the necessary machinery, fuel, fertilizers and credit instruments.
“This year, for the first time, we are providing soft loans before the start of spring sowing. That is, farmers must be fully prepared before the campaign. The state provides all support from its side: soft loans, subsidies, cheap fuel. And akims must personally visit and control farms that receive state support. The main goal is to obtain high-quality products, store them and process them. You should also be interested in these processes. Productivity and income are part of your managerial achievements,” the head of the region said.
Provision of soft loans began in December last year through the “Ken Dala” and “Ken Dala 2” programs. Today, 329 applications for 52.3 billion tenge have been received, 217 of which have been approved.
This year, 5.4 million hectares of land will be sown in the Akmola region, of which 4.7 million hectares are for grain and leguminous crops. 36.5 thousand units of agricultural machinery are being prepared for sowing, 75% of which are already fully ready. In addition, 7% of new equipment will be purchased to update the equipment park. Marat Akhmetzhanov noted the need to actively introduce precision farming technologies, digitalization, moisture conservation methods, and complex plant protection measures. “You can’t leave everything to the weather. Only strict adherence to agrotechnology will allow for stable yields and increase the profitability of the industry,” the head of the region emphasized. This year, the Agronomic Council was established for the first time in the region. Its main task is to control the quality of seeds and ensure the observance of agrotechnology. Deputy Akim of the region Murat Balpan noted during the meeting that the amount of taxes paid by agricultural enterprises to the budget is one and a half times less than the subsidies received. This is evidence that the state has introduced a special tax regime, taking into account the specifics of the agricultural sector. Such a discount does not exist in other economic sectors. Agricultural producers are tasked with fully defining the structure of arable land by March 1 and increasing the share of oilseed and fodder crops. And by April 1, it is necessary to fully analyze the quality of seeds in laboratory conditions and complete the preparation of agricultural machinery.
The regional akim instructed the district akims to establish close contact with farmers, provide concrete assistance, and accelerate the development of allocated loans.
“Every day of spring is a year's supply of food. We cannot afford mistakes. Therefore, each responsible person must be as diligent and prompt as possible and fully fulfill the assigned tasks,” concluded Marat Akhmetzhanov.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola/press/news/details/933257