Tokayev demands overhaul of livestock farmingPresident Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday announced a major reform of Kazakhstan's livestock sector, criticizing its lack of a national strategy, low productivity, and a subsidy system vulnerable to abuse.Addressing an expanded government meeting, Tokayev highlighted a fundamental structural flaw: approximately 60% of meat and 80% of milk production comes from small personal and peasant farms, which he said caps productivity growth."The country has not established a coherent chain of processes, from feed production to processing, logistics, and sales. There is no unified management system. Unfortunately, in 2026, we are forced to discuss such problems," the president said.He identified the creation of new-format farming cooperatives as a key solution and instructed the government to draft a new law on agricultural cooperation by September 1.Tokayev also targeted non-transparent state subsidies, which he said are prone to "shadow" schemes. He ordered the full integration of information systems by year's end to digitally track subsidies and monitor recipients' obligations.The president separately raised serious concerns about veterinary safety, stating it falls far short of international standards. He cited data showing only 27 of the nation's 168 veterinary labs meet global requirements and that about 30,000 fake livestock vaccination certificates had been uncovered over three years.Tokayev gave the government three months to develop a comprehensive veterinary development program, stressing that sustainable livestock growth is impossible without restoring order in this critical area. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX