Astana, November 15, 2024 — The Europe Today: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a keynote address at the inaugural Agriculture Workers’ Forum in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, media sources report. The forum, which marks a significant milestone in the nation’s agricultural history, coincides with the celebration of Agricultural Worker, Food, and Processing Industry Workers Day.
In his remarks, President Tokayev extended his congratulations to the attendees and emphasized the symbolic significance of the forum, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the commencement of the virgin lands development campaign. The President acknowledged the mixed reactions to the campaign’s outcomes but emphasized its critical role in shaping Kazakhstan’s agricultural landscape. “The development of virgin lands brought significant positive changes to domestic agriculture, allowing Kazakhstan to emerge as one of the world’s leading grain producers,” stated Tokayev.
He further highlighted the country’s substantial progress in social infrastructure, with new settlements now dotting the landscape. The President also spoke of Kazakhstan’s agricultural achievements, noting that the country is the sixth-largest in the world in terms of arable land and pastures. “Our major accomplishment is the production of high-quality domestic goods, the majority of which are exported. Kazakhstan is now among the top 10 wheat exporters globally and a leader in flour exports,” Tokayev remarked.
Despite challenges this year, the President pointed to a remarkable achievement in grain production, with Kazakhstan collecting a record 26.7 million tons of grain, the highest in the last decade. The country’s agricultural sector continues to play a crucial role in its economic development, both domestically and on the global stage.
