EBRD and FAO support dairy sector in Kazakhstan

The Dairy Union of Kazakhstan and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs have held a round table discussion that provided an opportunity to present the latest achievements and opportunities in the Kazakh dairy sector.

The workshop primarily focused on modernising Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector by incorporating information systems such as the Collect Mobile application for milk processors.

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Investment Centre Agribusiness Specialist Inna Punda said: “Answers were given to a great number of priority issues related to milk collection.

"Satellite images and various digital solutions to name a few are now at milk processing companies’ disposal.

“They can help make the right decisions, which can have an immediate impact on the quality of milk."

Nearly 70 delegates from 16 provinces of Kazakhstan attended the round table that was supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

At the event, the EBRD and FAO reported on the implementation results of a joint sector promotion project in Kazakhstan.

EBRD and FAO also revealed a new study that primarily focuses on conducting analysis on the production of dairy products and the introduction of modern digital solutions such as a geographic information system (GIS) across all dairy enterprises of Kazakhstan.

EBRD Agribusiness Advisory head Victoria Zinchuk said: “Transparent and accurate information on the raw milk supply chain will facilitate investments and promote better policy dialogue in Kazakhstan’s dairy sector.

“A steady and predictable flow of high-quality milk will give companies incentives to upgrade their facilities and expand their operations."

FAO and the Dairy Union officials further explained the benefits and importance of introducing a new system of milk supply and collection with an emphasis on the quality of raw milk and associated products.

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Image: Dairy Union round table gathers key stakeholders. Photo: courtesy of the EBRD.