In the Kostanay region, new state support programs for livestock were presented, offering concessional loans at 5–6% annual interest for purchasing breeding stock, building farms, and replenishing working capital. However, farmers raised numerous questions about the terms and accessibility, reports the website infohub.kz.
Agricultural producers doubt the realism of the timeline for utilizing the funds and the availability of state support for those without experience and infrastructure. Specifically, feedlot requirements: for cattle, capacity must be at least 500 pens; for small ruminants, at least 1,000 pens. These must have a registration number and comply with legislation.
“So only those who already have existing infrastructure can qualify. Everyone else is left out,” said Kairat Ospanov, director of an agricultural enterprise. Deputy director of the Agrarian Credit Corporation for Kostanay region, Zhanna Abzulinova, explained: “The capacity of the feedlot for cattle must be at least 500 pens, and for small ruminants, at least 1,000 pens.”
Farmers are attracted by the low interest rates, but the amounts for building breeding farms seem insufficient: up to 350 million tenge for cattle and up to 200 million tenge for small ruminants. Moreover, a separate application is required for livestock purchases, complicating the process. “It’s unrealistic to do that within a year—buy, fatten, sell, and then repay the money. We need at least a year and a half,” Ospanov added.
It is especially difficult for crop farmers who lack livestock experience. “If we go about it haphazardly, it will lead to inefficiency in the future, because without experience and the right livestock, we won’t get far,” said Svetlana Mikhaylenko, director of the association of agricultural producers of Kostanay region. The business community suggests developing a roadmap and creating a special commission under regional agricultural departments to advise novice livestock farmers.