One of the largest and most technologically advanced agricultural projects in recent years is being launched in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda region. The initiator is the Swiss company Harvest Agro, which is focusing not only on crop cultivation, but on building a full-cycle production model - from fields to deep processing, DKNews.kz reports.
The project is being implemented under a trilateral framework agreement signed in October 2025 between the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, the akimat of Kyzylorda region and Harvest Agro. The total project area covers 23,500 hectares, where corn and soybeans will be cultivated and processed.
First stage: land enters production, seed plant to be built
The launch of the first stage is scheduled for 2026. As part of this phase, 8,500 hectares of irrigated land will be brought into agricultural circulation, and a seed processing plant will be constructed. This facility will play a key role in ensuring stable yields and improving product quality.
Preparatory work is already well underway. Land leveling has been completed on 6,000 hectares, while earthworks have begun on an additional 8,500 hectares. A total of 110 units of specialized machinery are involved in the project. Fifteen sprinkler irrigation systems are being installed, and modern center-pivot irrigation technology is being applied, significantly reducing water consumption while maintaining high productivity.
Second stage: scaling up production
At the second stage, the project’s scale will expand substantially. The cultivated area is expected to double, while processing capacity will increase to 60,000 tons of agricultural products per year.
In the long term, annual production volumes are projected at around 70,000 tons of corn and 20,000 tons of soybeans. These figures position the project as one of the key contributors to agricultural output in the region, with strong potential for both domestic supply and exports.
Why Kyzylorda and why corn
The choice of Kyzylorda region is not accidental. The project directly aligns with the Head of State’s directive to diversify crop structures and transition to agricultural crops that require less irrigation water. For a region where water resources have long been a critical constraint, this approach is of strategic importance.
Special emphasis is being placed on expanding corn cultivation. While last year corn was planted on just 1,700 hectares, this year the area is planned to increase to 10,000 hectares. Thanks to modern irrigation technologies, corn is increasingly viewed as a viable and water-efficient crop for southern Kazakhstan.
What it means for the region
The Harvest Agro project goes far beyond traditional farming. It brings investment, advanced technology and new jobs, while introducing a more sustainable model of agriculture. Kyzylorda region is gradually moving away from a narrow crop specialization toward a diversified, high-tech agricultural economy.
Equally important is the project’s focus on efficient water use. In the long run, this approach not only strengthens food security, but also supports environmentally sustainable development in one of Kazakhstan’s most water-sensitive regions.
