Kazakhstan’s Plan to Cultivate Drought-Resistant Crops
Kazakhstan focuses on developing competitive varieties of crops and hybrids
Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, has challenged the breeders-scientists of the country to create competitive varieties of crops and hybrids using traditional methods and the latest biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques. This task was set at the latest session of hearings of the subsidiaries of the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NASEC) NJSC.
NASEC has been entrusted with the function of creating competitive varieties of crops and hybrids using traditional methods and achievements of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The center has been actively working towards this goal and has made significant progress in the development of wheat varieties.
Wheat varieties bred on the basis of the Research and Production Center for Grain Farming named after A.I. Baraev have gained popularity in the grain-growing regions of Kazakhstan. In 2023, the spring wheat varieties bred at the center were used on a significant portion of the crop area in various regions of the country, including Akmola, North Kazakhstan, Karaganda, and Kostanay.
The head of the Research and Production Center for Grain Farming, Timur Savin, highlighted the recent patenting of a new variety of wheat called “Taymas.” This new variety is resistant to drought, heat, and disease, making it a valuable addition to the country’s agricultural sector. “Taymas” will now be distributed as a priority seed variety, further contributing to the improvement of crop production in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine named after Zhiembaev has been proposed to develop a new control system based on appropriate certification. This institute, which is the only institution in the country specializing in the field of plant protection and quarantine, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the agricultural sector from pests and diseases.
The efforts of these research and production centers reflect Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing and enhancing its agricultural sector. The focus on creating competitive crop varieties and strengthening plant protection measures demonstrates the country’s dedication to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s advancements in crop breeding and plant protection are crucial for ensuring food security and contributing to the country’s economic growth. These initiatives align with the government’s vision for the agricultural sector and pave the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural industry in Kazakhstan.
