Kostanay Region invests in high-tech storage to transform local farming
Infrastructure
A new facility in the village of Zarechny will become one of the few next-generation storage centers in the region. Currently, the total capacity of 62 vegetable storage sites in the area reaches 87,000 tons, yet only half are equipped with climate-control systems.
"Last year, agricultural enterprises in the region produced over 91,000 tons of potatoes and other vegetables. With proper storage, this volume would have been enough to meet local demand until the next harvest. However, producers already sell their goods outside the region in autumn. The reason? A shortage of modern, climate-controlled storage. If we had these facilities, we could preserve produce until spring or early summer and sell it at a more profitable price," said Kumar Aksakalov, the akim (governor) of Kostanay Region.
The new storage facility, equipped with climate and ventilation systems, will have a capacity of 5,200 tons. The project will cost 1.2 billion tenge, primarily funded through loans.
"We also plan to build a 1,200-ton fruit warehouse with refrigeration, as well as processing, washing, and packaging units capable of handling 20 tons of produce daily. Additionally, a 500-square-meter social storage facility will be constructed," said Bakir Bekirov, head of HalyqAgro KST LLP.
The new facility marks a key step toward establishing a sustainable "production–storage–market supply" system. In the near future, Kostanay Region plans to begin construction on three more modern vegetable storage complexes. Local authorities describe these projects as socially significant, as they not only enhance food security but also help regulate market prices through supply management.
