ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 24. Kazakh farmers gathered around 8 million tons of hay, accounting for approximately 32 percent of the planned 25 million tons for this year, the country's Vice Minister of Agriculture Amangali Berdalin said, Trend reports.
He made the remark during a meeting of the Operational Headquarters, following the instructions of Kazakhstan's minister of agriculture.
Overall, according to him, favorable weather conditions in most regions have contributed to successful fodder harvesting this year. The Akmola, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions are demonstrating good progress in fodder preparation. The Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and Mangystau regions, on the other hand, are showing slower rates.
Berdalin also highlighted the situation in the Akmola region, where despite the increase in livestock numbers, the hay harvesting plan remains at the previous year's level. He urged the regional authorities to reconsider their plans and ensure 100 percent feed provision for the existing livestock before the upcoming winter season.
This year, 11.7 billion Kazakh tenge ($26.1 million) has been allocated to subsidize fodder expenses in the regions. If necessary, regional administrations have the option to direct additional funds to address the fodder requirements.