Agrarians of the Karaganda region plan to harvest about one million tons of grain

Preparations for the harvesting campaign are coming to an end in the Karaganda region. According to preliminary forecasts, farmers in the region should harvest 946 thousand tons of grain, including 817 thousand tons of wheat.

The agricultural producers discussed preparations for harvesting and support measures with Akim of the region Ermaganbet Bulekpayev at a meeting in Osakarov district.

In the same place, farmers were able to ask their questions and receive answers from the heads of departments and financial institutions.

— The main task is to conduct a high—quality and timely harvesting campaign. We see difficult weather conditions both in spring and now. Nevertheless, all the planned areas have been developed. The presence of moisture in summer should have a positive effect on grain yields," said Ermaganbet Bulekpayev.

To ensure the safety of the future harvest, four licensed grain receiving enterprises with a total capacity of 145 thousand tons and 138 potato and vegetable storages for 340.2 thousand tons operate in the region. By the end of the year, the capacity of grain storage facilities will be increased by another 18 thousand tons, and vegetable storage facilities — by 12 thousand tons.

— The expected harvest of potatoes is 265.2 thousand tons, vegetables — 38.5 thousand tons, — said the head of the Department of agriculture Anuar Tyulyubekov. — Almost 2 thousand combine harvesters, 220 potato harvesters and 162 potato diggers will be used for harvesting. Mass cleaning will begin in early September.

Harvesting operations have already begun in some farms of the Abai, Bukhar-Zhyrau, Nura and Osakarov districts. 5.3 thousand hectares of grain were harvested, 4.4 thousand tons of grain were harvested. 5.4 thousand tons of early potatoes were harvested from 240 hectares.

As part of the diversification program, the area for oilseeds and fodder crops has been increased.

— Last year, sunflower seeds were grown for the first time, and they produced a good harvest. This year, the area of oilseeds has been increased to 3,500 hectares. There is a demand for culture. Additional dryers, a processing point, and storage facilities were built for processing and storage. There is government support, — Mikhail Cholokidi, head of the "Yasnaya Polyana" farm, said at the meeting.

Agricultural producers are also increasing the area of irrigated land. According to the head of Eurasia Invest Ltd, Serik Zhunusov, crop yields on lands with drip irrigation exceed regional indicators.

— This year we have introduced more than 4 thousand hectares of irrigated land. Next year, they should be increased to 10,000 hectares. Fields with potatoes and corn are under drip irrigation today. We are currently implementing a large project to build a farm for 6,000 heads. To do this, we prepare a fodder base – we grow rapeseed, alfalfa, and sunflower. Irrigation helps to offset the risks of drought and adverse weather conditions, ensuring a good harvest," said Serik Zhunusov.

The largest grain region in the region, Osakarov district, plans to harvest 449 thousand tons of grain, 25 thousand tons of potatoes and 64 thousand tons of oilseeds this season. Nura district, the second largest area of crops, expects to receive 303 thousand tons of grain, 36 thousand tons of potatoes and 13 thousand tons of oilseeds.

Special attention is paid to the technical equipment of farms.

The akims of the districts reported on the readiness of agricultural machinery. An important emphasis is placed on providing farms with fuel and lubricants and mineral fertilizers for autumn fertilizing. Financing and support for agricultural producers are provided through various programs.

– In general, there will be a difficult harvesting campaign. It is necessary to prepare harvesting equipment in accordance with the load on the hectare, granaries, dryers, and organize the removal of crops from the fields. Additionally prepare diesel fuel. The main thing is a well–coordinated and clear organization of work on the ground. All farms need to be helped equally: both small and large. I instruct the akims of the districts and the Department of agriculture to help complete the harvesting with high quality, assist in the preparation of equipment and the supply of household chemicals, and in harvesting seeds for sowing in the 26th year. Solve the fertilizer issue. To work out a memorandum on the formation of a stabilization fund for potatoes and other vegetables, – Ermaganbet Bulekpayev said, summing up the meeting.