Food security today is becoming one of the key areas of cooperation between states. In the conditions of changing climate, global challenges and instability of supplies, ensuring sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex comes to the forefront. For the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which have significant agricultural potential, uniting efforts in this area is of strategic importance. The Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Mr. Aidarbek SAPAROV talks about the results of the meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the OTSG and the prospects for further cooperation in this area.
– Aidarbek Seypellovich, in March 2024, the third meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Kazakhstan under your chairmanship. Tell us about the achieved results of this meeting.
– In order to develop multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States in the direction of agriculture, the third meeting of the ministers of agriculture of the OTS member countries on the theme «Development of mutual trade in agricultural goods of the OTS member countries» was organized on 19-21 March 2024 in Taraz. This meeting was attended by the heads of agricultural departments of the OTS member countries – Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, as well as the observer country Hungary.
As a result of the meeting of Ministers of Agriculture of the OTSs, a Communiqué was signed, in which the parties consolidated the agreements to intensify cooperation in the field of research and development, innovations that contribute to improving agricultural practices and increasing yields, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, attracting both domestic and foreign investments to improve agricultural infrastructure, as well as supported the idea of creating a «Made in OTS» label for agricultural products.
Also, within the framework of the third meeting on March 20, 2024, the Turkic Agribusiness Forum on seed production was organized and the eighth ECOSA Seed Congress was held (For reference: ECOSA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the interests of seed producers, supporting agriculture and developing new technologies. Its goal is to promote seed trade among the countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization).
The ECOSA Seed Congress was held for the first time outside Turkey. About 80 foreign companies came to Kazakhstan for this event, about 50 companies and research institutes of NANOC took part in it from the Kazakhstani side (For reference: NAREC is the National Agrarian Research and Education Center, a single operator for interaction of scientific and educational institutions of the agrarian sphere of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the state and business. The sole shareholder of NAREC is the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It was founded in 2015).
– At the meeting it was discussed the necessity to determine the needs of the OTS countries in agricultural products and to meet the demand for these products mainly at the expense of the member countries of the Organization and there was a proposal for a pilot project related to the production of agricultural and food products. Where and what products can be produced under the OTG brand? How will this affect food security?
– Yes, the «Made in the OTS» initiative was supported at the end of the third meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the OTS member countries. By the way, this important initiative was put forward by the Turkish side. To date, the practical side of the implementation of this initiative is still being worked out, and an expert working group with representatives of the OTS member countries is in the process of creation to discuss the implementation of this initiative.
Taking into account the agricultural potential of Kazakhstan, our agricultural producers may well in the future perform under the brand «Made in the OTS», of course, if they meet all the requirements.
In general, this initiative currently exists in theory and requires additional discussions and elaboration together with the OTS member countries. Therefore, it is not yet possible to assess its possible impact on the food security of the country and the region.
– Tell us about the outlook for the overall agro-insurance system within the Organization.
– Since 2020, Kazakhstan has a system of voluntary insurance in the agro-industrial complex, which provides for state support in the form of subsidizing insurance premiums in the amount of 80% (from 2022, the norm of subsidizing is increased from 50% to 80%), which will make the insurance system in the agro-industrial complex more accessible and profitable for agricultural producers in the OTS. Currently, there are 16 insurance products in this area (in crop production – 7, in livestock – 9), and the operator in the field of insurance is JSC «Agrarian Credit Corporation».
Agro-insurance in Kazakhstan is gradually developing, covering more and more areas of agriculture and attracting the attention of agricultural producers. Modern mechanisms of subsidizing insurance premiums, as well as support from the state contribute to the growing interest in insurance as an effective tool to protect against risks associated with climate change. This creates favorable conditions for increasing the sustainability of agribusinesses and the stability of their incomes.
In order to increase efficiency and introduce best practices in the agro-insurance system, it is planned to exchange experience with Turkey, where agrarian insurance has been successfully developing for many years. Cooperation with Turkish specialists will allow not only to study their methods of risk management in agriculture, but also to learn from their experience in creating insurance products for the southern regions of Kazakhstan (orchards, greenhouses). Besides, one of the perspective tasks is to expand the line of insurance products for agro-industrial complex. This will allow to increase the coverage of insurance protection and achieve risk reduction for agricultural producers. Introduction of new insurance products also contributes to increase of financial stability of farms and minimization of consequences from negative natural factors.
– Which agricultural sectors are most developed in the OTS countries? Do you think it is possible in the future to create a complementary agricultural system among the OTS countries?
– Mainly due to favorable climatic conditions, the priority in the OTS countries is given to the agricultural sector, in particular, to the production of horticultural products (Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan), meat products (Turkey, Kazakhstan), cultivation and processing of cereals (Kazakhstan, Turkey), production of finished food products (juices, confectionery, cheese, etc.) (Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and others).
Regarding the possibility of creating a complementary farming system, this issue is not specifically addressed at the moment, as it directly affects the issue of in-country food security, which, in turn, is of priority importance for the national security of the country as a whole.
The OTS is considering the possibility of purchasing products already imported by countries mainly from OTS member countries, and this is already quite negotiable in case of price feasibility.
– What are the chances for successful joint activities in the future in the agricultural sector and its competitiveness on the world stage?
– The chances of successful joint activities in the agricultural sector between the OTS countries in the future are quite high. This is explained by several factors:
First, the agrarian systems of the OTS countries complement each other well: they have similar climatic and soil conditions, which allows efficient coordination of agricultural production, processing and export of products.
Secondly, having a common market and common standards within a common economic space simplifies logistics, certification processes and phytosanitary control.
Third, the countries have similar export interests. By coordinating their efforts, they can jointly enter new markets, diversify exports, and strengthen their positions on the world stage, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
Finally, the agricultural sector is of interest to large investors. Joint investment projects strengthen integration and form competitive supply chains.
– What activities and effective measures can be used to increase the volume of agricultural output, given the growing population and needs?
18/08/2025 
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