Kumarbek Amirkhanov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor: Processing - the path from a raw material model to a food hub
In this year’s Address, “Kazakhstan in the era of artificial intelligence: current challenges and their solution through digital transformation,” the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paid special attention to the development of the processing industry.
We are talking not only about the modernization of the economy, but also about the formation of a new paradigm - the transition from a raw materials model to a model of a world-class food hub.
Processing means not just the transformation of agricultural raw materials into a finished product; it is necessary to look much more broadly. This is an industry that creates high added value, provides export potential and is based on modern technologies. This is where the agro-industrial complex plays a key role. The natural and climatic conditions of Kazakhstan, huge land resources and the scale of agricultural production give the country unique opportunities.
Our strategic goal is to cease being just a supplier of raw materials and become a manufacturer of finished, deeply processed products. First of all, this concerns agricultural products, the processing of which can greatly increase export potential. A huge market is China and Russia, our closest neighbors. If Kazakhstan produces highly processed products in accordance with international standards, the country will take its rightful place in these markets.
Thus, the prospect of transforming Kazakhstan into the largest food hub in the region comes to the fore. This is a solution not only to economic problems, but also to issues of food security, creating new jobs, developing villages and improving the quality of life in the regions.
We, the scientific and educational community, are ready not to be outside observers, but to become active participants in these processes. Scientific support of the industry, introduction of new technologies, training of personnel is our direct responsibility.
Shakarim University is already demonstrating its readiness to integrate into this course. The university operates the Agrobiocenter and the Food Engineering Laboratory, where applied research is conducted in the field of quality, safety and processing of agricultural products. Here, students, young scientists and entrepreneurs work together to develop solutions for the agricultural sector - from feed optimization and soil analysis to the development of highly processed products.
In addition, the university is creating a network of partnerships with Chinese, Turkish and European universities to integrate international processing technologies and form a talent pool for the region. Training of specialists in the field of agricultural engineering, food technology and agrilogistics is already underway according to updated educational programs.
By supporting the President's initiatives, we view them as a strategic opportunity: to transform Kazakhstan into a world-class food production and export center. And it is the processing industry that should become a key part of this breakthrough.