Kazakhstan Appoints New Agriculture Minister

News in brief: Aidarbek Saparov has been appointed as Kazakhstan new Minister of Agriculture. He will likely explore international partnerships to enhance food security.

Aidarbek Saparov has been appointed as the new head of Kazakhstan's ministry of Agriculture.

He assumes duties after the president, Kassym Jomart Tokayev, relieved the former minister, Yerbol Karashukeyev, of his duties. Until his latest appointment, Saparov had served as the Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan since 2019.

The 57-year-old was born in North Kazakhstan and graduated from the Omsk Agriculture Institute, Kozybayev North Kazakhstan State University.

He has worked as the governor of districts in North Kazakhstan, and deputy governor of North Kazakhstan. From December 1 2022, he was elevated to preside over Kazakhstan’s Northern region.

Agriculture is an important aspect of the country's economy and accounts for 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Grains, potatoes, grapes, vegetables, melons and livestock are its key products.

Over 80% of the country's total area is classified as agricultural land and almost 70% of its land is occupied by pasture. Its arable land has the second highest availability per inhabitant (1.5 hectares).

Yerbol Karashukeyev had believed that Kazakhstan had what it takes to become a reliable partner of the European Union (EU) in enhancing regional and global food security. In an article, he mentioned the countries natural agricultural potential, sound investment climate and unprecedented state measures.

Saparov will likely be exploring this potential partnership and others in his new role. As a precursor of things to come, the country has shipped its first 1,300 tons of grain to Eastern China to build a relationship with its Shandong province.