In early August, important news for the agricultural sector was announced in Shymkent. Negotiations were held between the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aidarbek Saparov and the Chairman of the Board of the Turkish company Sine Midas Stroy Ahmet Budan, as a result of which a specific plan was discussed for the construction of a modern industrial greenhouse in the city with a capacity of 36 thousand tons of tomatoes per year. The Polish company Fabe Agro will also participate in the project as an additional partner. The total investment volume is estimated at 120 million US dollars.

Minister Aidarbek Saparov noted that attracting high-tech investments to the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan is a strategically important direction for the state. According to him, this project will not only provide the domestic market with high-quality products, but also increase export potential. Currently, the process of signing an investment agreement is underway. The document will clearly indicate the terms of the project implementation, financial obligations and responsibilities of both parties.

The main feature of this greenhouse complex is that it allows for a stable harvest twelve months a year, using modern technologies. While tomatoes grown in the open field are seasonal, the new greenhouse will allow for continuous production, regardless of climatic conditions. This, in turn, will allow for stable prices in the domestic market, as well as a planned increase in exports.

Greenhouse farming has long been known in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. For example, in the mid-2010s, several greenhouse complexes were launched in Shymkent and Turkestan regions. However, most of them were limited in capacity and were adapted only for the domestic market. Some were forced to stop working after a few years due to high production costs. The new project is distinguished by the fact that it will be implemented with the participation of international partners and involves large-scale production. This is the main difference from previous experiences.

Given the agricultural potential of Shymkent, such a project will give a significant boost to the regional economy. Tomatoes are one of the most consumed vegetables in Kazakhstan. It is known that their price increases several times, especially in winter. A modern greenhouse will help to solve this problem to some extent. In addition, if a significant part of the 36 thousand tons of products is directed to export, Kazakhstan will be able to enter the international market at a new level.

If we look at the experience of previous years, although greenhouse farming in Kazakhstan is gradually developing, the share of foreign investment has been small. Local entrepreneurs have often given priority to small-scale projects. For example, in 2017, a number of greenhouse complexes with a capacity of up to 5-7 thousand tons were launched in the Turkestan region. Although they met the region's vegetable needs, they did not reach the export level. The current project is aimed at filling this gap.

If a new greenhouse complex is built, hundreds of new jobs will be created. This is a great opportunity, especially for young people and specialists involved in agriculture. The use of high technologies also requires improving the professional skills of local personnel. Thus, a new generation will be formed in the agricultural sector, accustomed to innovative approaches.

It should be noted that in international practice, such projects are distinguished not only by their economic, but also by their social significance. For example, in Turkey and the Netherlands, modern greenhouse complexes are not limited to production, but also contribute to the development of agrotourism. A new complex in Kazakhstan may also take a similar direction in the future.

In comparison, in previous years, other initiatives aimed at developing agriculture have been implemented in Shymkent. For example, there were projects such as improving irrigated agriculture and introducing drip irrigation systems. But their impact was often felt only on a local scale. The new greenhouse project could affect the agricultural image of the entire country.

In short, the planned greenhouse complex, which was launched in early August as a result of negotiations, will bring new opportunities to the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan. This will not only attract investment, but will also be a real example of the use of high technologies in agriculture. Unlike small projects of previous years, the new complex is large-scale, modern and export-oriented. This will allow Shymkent to become one of the agricultural centers not only within the country, but also in the international market.