Kazakhstan, Germany to Establish Regional Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Central Asia – The Astana Times

Establishment of Regional Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Central Asia and Germany

Introduction

Kazakhstan and Germany have agreed to establish a Regional Center for Sustainable Agriculture for Central Asia and Germany at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing. This decision was made following discussions held during the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin.

Background and Development

The concept of the Regional Center was developed by the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center in cooperation with the Kazakhstan-German Agricultural Policy Dialogue. The idea was discussed during a meeting involving representatives from Central Asian countries and Germany.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The center aims to consolidate efforts among Central Asian states and Germany to enhance agricultural productivity while addressing regional climate conditions and the challenges posed by climate change. The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by improving agricultural productivity and sustainable food production systems.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – by adapting agricultural practices to climate change.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through promotion of sustainable farming practices.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering international cooperation.

Core Activities

• Transfer of knowledge and agricultural technologies.
• Advancement of agricultural science.
• Professional training and capacity building.
• Promotion of sustainable farming practices.

These activities will be coordinated by the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center and implemented at the institute in the Almaty Region.

Participation in Global Forum and Green Week

The initiative was presented at the GFFA, held alongside the international Green Week exhibition, one of the world’s largest platforms for agriculture and food industries. Kazakhstan’s delegation participated actively, showcasing products from 20 Kazakh companies at a national pavilion.

Showcasing Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Potential

• Export-oriented agricultural output.
• Growing potential in food processing.
• Development of organic farming.
• Adoption of modern agrotechnologies.

Participation in Green Week facilitated the establishment of new business contacts and strengthened long-term partnerships with international counterparts, supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Key Forum Events and Discussions

• Roundtable on Kazakhstan–Germany Agro & Water Nexus: Promoting Sustainable Growth through Agricultural Development and Water Management.
• Panel discussions on investment in the agri-food sector.
• Digitalization and application of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Future Prospects and Cooperation

Participants highlighted significant opportunities to expand trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Priority areas identified include:

• Organic agriculture.
• Agricultural science.
• Digital farming.
• AI-based agricultural solutions.

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to attracting German investment in agricultural processing, sustainable farming practices, and the development of value-added supply chains, further advancing the achievement of the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on improving agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices, which directly relate to ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices aligns with responsible production patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The center aims to address challenges posed by climate change in agriculture, linking to climate action goals.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Advancement of agricultural science, digital farming, and AI-based solutions highlight innovation and infrastructure development.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between Kazakhstan, Germany, and Central Asian countries exemplifies global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including agriculture.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicator for SDG 2 (Targets 2.3 and 2.4)
   • Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of farmers in Central Asia.
   • Adoption rates of sustainable and organic farming practices.
2. Indicator for SDG 12 (Target 12.2)
   • Extent of sustainable resource use in agriculture, such as water and soil management efficiency.
3. Indicator for SDG 13 (Target 13.1)
   • Implementation of climate-resilient agricultural technologies and practices.
4. Indicator for SDG 9 (Target 9.5)
   • Number of scientific research projects and innovations applied in agriculture, including digital farming and AI solutions.
5. Indicator for SDG 17 (Target 17.16)
   • Number and quality of international partnerships and collaborations established, such as the Regional Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: astanatimes.com