On July 8, 2024, a Government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov was held, at which the key issue was the digitalization of livestock farming and strengthening of veterinary control. This initiative is aimed at creating a transparent and effective system for tracking all livestock products - from the birth of an animal to its processing and sale.

The Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov and the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev delivered reports. The ministers reported on the progress of implementing digital solutions that should radically change the entire chain of livestock production management. Central to these initiatives is the end-to-end traceability system - a tool that allows tracking the path of products from the moment an animal is born to its processing, transportation and reaching store shelves.

The Prime Minister noted that veterinary safety directly affects the country's export potential. Without proper control and transparency, Kazakhstan will not be able to compete in international markets. Therefore, the task has been set to ensure full vaccination coverage of all farm animals, including livestock in private farms. At the same time, each region must be provided with high-quality, affordable veterinary drugs. The emphasis is also on the need to develop domestic production of vaccines and related veterinary products.

The farm animal database must be verified by November 1, 2024, to eliminate discrepancies, duplicates and outdated records. And by the end of this year, three ministries - agriculture, digital development and the aeronautical industry - must complete the full digitalization of processes related to the movement of animals and products. In addition, all existing databases will be combined into a single digital platform integrated with the results of the National Agricultural Census.

The end-to-end traceability system should not just be a digital tool, but a full-fledged ecosystem that includes registration of the birth of an animal, its vaccination, movement, slaughter, processing and sale of products. This is important for the state, farmers and consumers. The state receives reliable information to manage the industry and prevent disease outbreaks. Farmers — simplified access to subsidies, the ability to confirm the origin of products. Consumers — confidence in the safety and quality of products.

Attempts to digitalize the industry have been made before. For example, in 2018, the VetIS system was launched, within which animal registration and product accounting began. However, it was implemented only in pilot regions and faced a number of problems: a shortage of personnel, poor technical equipment, and a lack of coordination between departments. In 2021, online registration of animals and their movements was proposed, but again everything was limited to individual regions, and the systems' data were not integrated with each other.

This time, the situation is different. First, there are clear deadlines and objectives. Second, several ministries are involved, which increases the chances of comprehensive implementation. Third, digitalization is part of a broader sustainable rural development strategy for 2023–2027. This demonstrates the political will to change and the willingness to invest in long-term reforms.

If all stages are completed on time, Kazakhstan will become one of the first countries in the region with a fully digitalized livestock control system. This will open up new opportunities in foreign markets, strengthen confidence in products in the domestic market, and also increase the level of veterinary safety in the country.

Thus, the meeting on July 9, 2024 was not just a discussion of sectoral reform, but a turning point in the development of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan. Unlike previous initiatives, this time there is a systematic approach, a clear distribution of responsibility and an understanding of the ultimate goal - sustainable, transparent and competitive livestock farming.