A very important news has come to Shymkent for farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture. From January 1, 2026, the tax on agricultural land in the city will be set at an average of 1,013 tenge per hectare. This is 45 times less than the previous amount. Such a change is not just a technical adjustment, it is a concrete step towards establishing justice for rural workers.

Agriculture is the backbone of the city and country's economy. However, in recent years, farmers in Shymkent have faced significant difficulties due to the excessive tax burden. After Shymkent was granted the status of a city of republican significance in 2018, agricultural land plots were included in the category of settlements. As a result, land taxes, which were previously relatively low, have increased sharply. The tax rate of 91,700 tenge per hectare has become a heavy burden for many farmers.

To address this issue, in 2022 the city council decided to reduce the tax rate by 50 percent. However, this reduction did not fundamentally change the situation. The tax rate was still 45 times higher than in neighboring regions. This difference reduced the competitiveness of agriculture and prevented local producers from effectively marketing their products.

Agriculture is not only production, it is also an important factor in ensuring food security and the well-being of the population. That is why the city administration has kept this issue on its agenda for a long time. The city administration, working closely with the Parliament and a number of state bodies, has developed proposals for amendments to tax legislation.

As a result, the new Tax Code signed by the Head of State provides for a significant reduction in the tax rate for agricultural land in the city of Shymkent. From the beginning of 2026, this rate will be at the level of 1,013 tenge per hectare. This change is expected to bring significant relief to farmers and reduce their production costs and increase their profitability.

The economic impact of such a step is multifaceted. First, it will open the way to attracting investment in agriculture. Lower taxes will allow farmers to purchase new equipment, increase the size of their fields, and improve the quality of their products. Second, it will help stabilize prices in the food supply chain from rural to urban areas. Third, this step will contribute to maintaining social stability in rural areas and improving the well-being of the population.

Historically, such tax changes have had a significant impact on the development of agriculture. For example, in the early 2000s, a reduction in agricultural taxes led to a revival of agriculture and livestock farming in the country. And some regional exemptions introduced in the 2010s allowed local farmers to increase production. This year's change in Shymkent is likely to have the same positive results.

Past experience has shown that while tax cuts may not immediately lead to increased output, they can increase activity in the sector in the medium and long term. This is especially important for small and medium-sized farms, as they can free themselves from tax pressure and direct their funds directly to the development of production and infrastructure.

Today, there are hundreds of entrepreneurs and thousands of private farms engaged in agriculture in Shymkent. Most of them grow vegetables, fruits, grains and are engaged in livestock farming. The reduction in the tax burden will have a positive effect on all these types of production. This decision will be a real help to farmers, especially in times of rising feed prices and fuel costs.

Some experts believe that this change will also contribute to maintaining the economic balance between urban and rural areas. Since tax breaks in agriculture also affect the stability of food prices in the city. In addition, this measure may help preserve jobs in rural areas and encourage young people to stay in the countryside.

In general, the 45-fold reduction in agricultural land tax in Shymkent is an important event not only for local farmers, but also for the entire city's economy. This decision is based on the principles of justice and paves the way for sustainable development of production.

In the future, the city administration and relevant government agencies intend to continue to systematically address such issues that directly affect the daily lives of residents and the city's economy. This relief for farmers will be an important step that will give a new impetus to the development of agriculture and strengthen the food security and economic stability of Shymkent.