Source: Kazakhstan Today

Greenhouse Production of Early Vegetables and Fruit in Kazakhstan Meets Only 17% of Its Consumption Demand

The greenhouse production infrastructure is underdeveloped in Kazakhstan. “Today, there are 1,752 indoor facilities in the country, with a total area of 217 hectares. According to statistical data, the gross output is 14,700 tons per year – which is a mere 17% of what we consume.”

This was reported by Arman Yevniyev, Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, during the 2nd workshop Protected Ground of Kazakhstan 2010, on development of greenhouse production in Kazakhstan, reports Kazakh-ZERNO with reference to KazInform.

Yet, Kazakhstan has favourable conditions to meet the market demand in the Customs Union with agricultural produce, says A. Yevniyev. According to him, the Customs Union’s market – more than 170 million people – needs fruit and vegetables, and especially early produce.

“In this respect, in order to enhance development of greenhouse production, the legislators have for the first time come up with a mechanism of subsidizing indoor production. A special budget programme earmarked 279 million tenge this year. This is our first attempt. Our objective for this year is to develop efficient mechanisms,” said Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.

Vice Minister also said that in the Customs Union, the rate of import customs duties for greenhouse equipment will be zero during 2010 through 2012. “This should enhance development of greenhouse production at this stage.”