A decision has been made in Shymkent that could radically change the working conditions for farmers, entrepreneurs, and all those involved in land cultivation and agricultural production. We are talking about a significant reduction in the tax burden on agricultural land. This step was the result of long negotiations and joint work of the city authorities, the Parliament, and relevant government agencies.

The situation faced by local farmers has been going on for several years. After Shymkent was granted the status of a city of national significance in 2018, land plots used for agriculture were classified as lands of populated areas. This change in classification automatically led to a sharp increase in the tax rate. If the amounts were relatively affordable before, then after the reform the tax rate reached 91,700 tenge per hectare. For many farms, this became an unbearable burden, because large areas required proportionally larger payments.

In 2022, the city maslikhat, recognizing the difficult situation of farmers, decided to reduce the rate by 50%. However, even after this, the tax level remained abnormally high compared to neighboring regions - about 45 times higher. This disproportion created obvious obstacles to the development of agriculture in the city. Many farmers were forced to reduce their sown areas, reduce their livestock, or even curtail their activities.

Understanding that the situation required a systemic solution rather than temporary concessions, the city administration initiated work with the central authorities. Negotiations were held for several years, proposals and calculations were prepared proving the need to revise the tax policy. The arguments were obvious: excessive taxes undermine the economic basis of farms, reduce the investment attractiveness of agricultural production and negatively affect the food security of the region.

These efforts culminated in amendments to the new Tax Code signed by the country's President. According to the adopted changes, starting from January 1, 2026, the tax on agricultural land within Shymkent will be reduced to a level comparable to neighboring regions. Now farmers will pay an average of only 1,013 tenge per hectare - this is 45 times less than the previous rate.

This decision not only has a direct economic effect in the form of reduced costs, but also creates conditions for long-term growth of the industry. Farmers will be able to use the freed funds to modernize equipment, expand crop areas, introduce new technologies and improve product quality. This, in turn, can give impetus to the development of the processing industry, increase employment in rural areas and stabilize food prices.

In addition, the reduction of the tax burden can be seen as a signal that the state is ready to listen and solve the problems of the agricultural sector. For a long time, farmers complained that their work was undervalued, and working conditions did not contribute to the expansion of production. Now, with a fairer tax system, there is a chance to return interest in agriculture and attract young specialists to the industry.

It is worth noting that this tax reform is not just a technical adjustment, but a strategic step. In the context of population growth and increasing demand for quality food products, supporting local producers is becoming a matter of national importance. Agriculture not only ensures food security, but also forms the basis for sustainable regional development.

Of course, the tax cut itself will not solve all the problems of farmers. There are still issues related to irrigation, access to preferential loans, modernization of infrastructure and the fight against drought. But the first and very important barrier that prevented farmers from developing has already been removed.

Experience from previous years has shown that excessive tax burdens can literally paralyze economic activity. While farmers in neighboring regions could afford to experiment with new crops or invest in expanding production, in Shymkent many were barely making ends meet. Now, with the leveling of conditions, we can expect the emergence of competitive farms ready to work on par with their colleagues from other regions.

This decision is also important for the city residents. Tax cuts for farmers indirectly affect all residents: more local products on the market, more stable prices, higher level of food independence. In addition, the development of agriculture around the city helps to preserve green areas, improves the ecological situation and creates jobs.

Thus, the upcoming reduction of land taxes for Shymkent farmers from 2026 can be safely called a victory of common sense and the result of persistent work of both local authorities and state structures. This is an example of how consistent actions and dialogue between the authorities and citizens can lead to specific and tangible results.

If this policy is supported and supplemented by other support measures, in the coming years Shymkent can become not only an industrial, but also a strong agricultural center. And this is a question not only of the economy, but also of the future food stability of the entire region.