Farmers in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent will be able to access state subsidies, Kursiv Media reports. Currently, such support is available only in the regions, however amendments are being prepared to extend this mechanism to agricultural producers located in the country’s three largest cities.
According to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the changes would allow subsidies to be provided if municipal land-use regulations are respected. The draft regulation is undergoing anti-corruption review and is being considered by the public council and accredited business associations. Once these procedures are completed, the authorized body will approve the new mechanism.
Bektenov noted that the new rule will allow agricultural producers in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent to receive state support on equal terms with farmers in other regions, increasing the investment attractiveness and agricultural capacity of these metropolitan areas.
The issue was raised following a request from Senator Alisher Satvaldiyev. He recalled that historically, these cities had prosperous farms with fertile lands. In Shymkent, 7,200 agricultural producers are registered, cultivating 23,000 hectares and operating greenhouse facilities covering about 100 hectares. Agricultural lands represent over 54% of Shymkent’s territory and around 15% in Almaty.
Under the current subsidy rules, land plots within cities of republican significance are not classified as agricultural land, which prevents farmers from applying for state support and puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
Source: Kursiv, author — Zhanbolat Mamyshev (Senior Business News Correspondent), e-mail: zh.mamyshev@kursiv.media, November 14, 2025.
According to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the changes would allow subsidies to be provided if municipal land-use regulations are respected. The draft regulation is undergoing anti-corruption review and is being considered by the public council and accredited business associations. Once these procedures are completed, the authorized body will approve the new mechanism.
Bektenov noted that the new rule will allow agricultural producers in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent to receive state support on equal terms with farmers in other regions, increasing the investment attractiveness and agricultural capacity of these metropolitan areas.
The issue was raised following a request from Senator Alisher Satvaldiyev. He recalled that historically, these cities had prosperous farms with fertile lands. In Shymkent, 7,200 agricultural producers are registered, cultivating 23,000 hectares and operating greenhouse facilities covering about 100 hectares. Agricultural lands represent over 54% of Shymkent’s territory and around 15% in Almaty.
Under the current subsidy rules, land plots within cities of republican significance are not classified as agricultural land, which prevents farmers from applying for state support and puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
Source: Kursiv, author — Zhanbolat Mamyshev (Senior Business News Correspondent), e-mail: zh.mamyshev@kursiv.media, November 14, 2025.