Entrepreneur Yerkin Tatishev and his team at Kusto Group aim to adopt innovations in technology and develop global partnerships supporting Kazakhstan’s transition into a regional powerhouse with its eye on the global high-quality meat market. Daniel Kunin, a Managing Director of Kusto Group, asserts that a collaborative approach between policymakers and businessmen is crucial to making this happen, though it may take some time. The investment in agriculture will result in high-growth, high-skilled, and high-quality industries and will benefit the income in rural communities.
Overcoming a nation’s challenges
In a country that has struggled in the era following Post-Soviet rule, Kazakhstan is becoming a leader among the world’s emerging economies. According to Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman and Founder of Kusto Group, there is a new commitment to diversification and modernization pushing Kazakhstan into the lead and global business leaders should take notice.
In the past, Kazakhstan has had to overcome a barrage of economic challenges. It’s natural resources and extraction industries of coal, heavy metals, oil, and natural gas have been the prime income for the country for decades. Tatishev believes the time has come and opportunities are ripe for the modernization of the agricultural sector.
A strong agricultural sector could reduce the nation’s dependence on non-renewable resources and potentially could rival the oil and natural resources industries in exports, profits, and employment.
Kusto Group is leading the way
Through a series of initiatives, the Government of Kazakhstan has emphasized the country’s need to diversify and the importance of attracting global leaders to invest in its emerging economy. Increasing stabilization is key to sustain long-term growth.
Tatishev and Kusto Group are guiding the way through innovation and revolutionizing current practices in the agricultural domain. “Modern adoption and application of innovative technologies will transform agriculture practices in Kazakhstan,” says Kunin.
Currently, the most common agricultural practice is based on grazing and small-scale farming, with the goal of feeding Kazakhstan’s own population. The country is landlocked but has throughout history been a critical link between Asia and Europe. It was once part of the ancient Silk Road trade route and, today, China has integrated the country into its modern Belt and Road Initiative.
Kazakhstan has a wealth of arable land and a location that is unique for agricultural growth. All these factors place Kazakhstan in an enviable position to produce high-quality agricultural products for export to Central Asia, Russia, China, the Middle East, and even the European market. Tatishev and his company are committed to helping the country realize its agricultural potential and become a regional leader and eventually a leader in the international community.
Yerkin Tatishev, center, Daniel Kunin, third from the left, and members of Kusto Group visit a farming operation in the United States
Raising national agribusiness standards
Kusto Group has a goal of elevating the standards across the industry in general and not just increasing yields and production figures. “Kusto Group has identified the livestock industry as a key growth market for Kazakhstan,” says Tatishev. “We believe that natural, high-quality meat production is the time of export-based agriculture that can be a game-changer.”
Kusto Group has been in meat production in Kazakhstan for a decade. The company was the first to import world-class Angus and Hereford breeding stock from the United States, they aim to emulate the American model of success in animal husbandry in Kazakhstan; with a focus on non-GMO crop production, corn and soy fattening techniques and the use of precision technology.
According to Kunin, “Clear purpose and vision to introduce innovative technology and best practices at each step of the production value chain will ensure quality at every step of the process from pasture to packaging.”
Fostering innovative and nurturing partnerships
Accelerated economic growth cannot be accomplished without developing partnerships with other industry leaders. These ventures enable Kusto Group and its partners to share innovations and knowledge leading to investments in new technology and best practices that will bring sustainable change to the industry.
Kazakhstan currently suffers from a lack of infrastructure that contributes to growth and sustainability. Kusto Group has recently collaborated with other industries to address these issues. It has signed a joint venture with Valmont Industries, a Nebraska based company, to build a new facility in Kazakhstan to manufacture modern irrigation systems to increase yields, save water, and add a new level of security and stability to farmer production.
Last month, Kusto Group signed a landmark deal with Tyson Fresh Foods, a division of Tyson Foods, a world leader in protein production, and the Government of Kazakhstan to construct a modern meat processing facility in Kazakhstan. The deal is projected to have an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD).
Kusto Group also established a partnership with Minnesota based Baumgartner Agricultural Science and Service BASS) to introduce non-GMO seed production techniques to the country. This initiative aims to provide KazBeef, Kusto Group’s livestock division, and the entire agricultural economy with nutritious and sustainable grain in large quantities for livestock production
The time is ripe for investing in Kazakhstan
The world is watching as Kazakhstan’s agricultural economy is growing under the efforts of Tatishev and other businessmen with a shared vision. The government has undertaken steps to target industries for greater development with investment and legislative incentives. These initiatives can redefine the country’s long-term agricultural sector.
The moves within the country are attracting the attention of international investors. Kazakhstan’s economic landscape can be reimagined and be a leader in the world’s emerging economies with diversification and broadening of wealth creation. Kazakhstan and Yerkin Tatishev are expecting the investors around the world to take notice and not shy away from the country’s potential.
