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A Kazakh entrepreneur، Valentin Ishchenko، is looking to significantly expand his fish farming operations along the Tobyl River in the Kostanay region. Building on his experience with sturgeon farming، Ishchenko now aims to introduce trout cultivation، with ambitious plans for production and product diversification.

From Humble Beginnings to Modern Aquaculture

Ishchenko's journey into aquaculture began in 2017. Initially، he started small، raising sturgeon in a basement using a repurposed swimming pool، driven by personal initiative and enthusiasm. Over time، his operation evolved، adopting a modern closed-loop water supply (UZV) system and expanding his production area to 1،200 square meters. This advanced system، featuring sophisticated filtration and ozonation، allows for minimal water replacement، with only 5% of the water being changed.

Ambitious Expansion and Diversification Plans

The entrepreneur's future vision includes establishing a hatchery on-site to manage egg incubation and raise young fish for both his own needs and for sale. A key objective is to commence trout farming، targeting an annual yield of 50 tons. This expansion requires an additional 1،500 square meters of production space. Furthermore، Ishchenko plans to enhance his fish processing capabilities، aiming to produce up to 300 tons of processed goods annually، including delicacies، semi-finished products، and canned fish.

Seeking State Support for a Billion-Tenge Project

The total cost for this comprehensive expansion project is estimated at approximately 1 billion tenge (around $2.2 million USD). Ishchenko is seeking substantial financial backing، with 888 million tenge expected through the 'Tobol' Social Entrepreneurial Corporation. He plans to contribute 90 million tenge by leveraging his existing production complex as collateral. If approved، the new fish farming complex is slated for construction in 2026. The entrepreneur is requesting state support in the form of a loan with a 7-year term and an interest rate of 2.5%.

Trout vs. Sturgeon: A New Challenge

Ishchenko notes that trout farming presents greater challenges than sturgeon cultivation. Trout are more sensitive to water quality and environmental conditions، necessitating more expensive specialized equipment. However، his experience with sturgeon gives him confidence in his ability to successfully farm trout. Currently، trout farming in Kazakhstan is primarily conducted in open ponds، mainly near Ust-Kamenogorsk and Almaty. Ishchenko's proposed use of a closed-loop system for river trout would make him a pioneer in this specific niche within the country.

Regional Official's Positive Outlook

Regional Governor Kuangysh Aksakalov has expressed a positive view of Ishchenko's business، noting its steady growth. He mentioned that the farm produced 15 tons of fish last year and is projected to reach 25 tons this year. The governor conveyed confidence that the project would receive the necessary state support to move forward.

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