Kazakhstan's Farming Crisis Deepens as Rural Labour Shortages Threaten Food Security
Kazakhstan is facing a growing labour crisis in its agricultural sector, raising concerns over food security. Members of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, have highlighted severe shortages of skilled workers in rural areas, from herders to agronomists. The issue was brought to light by Temir Kyrykbayev, a deputy from the Amanat party, who submitted a parliamentary inquiry. He pointed to systemic problems, including employers failing to meet legal obligations and weak oversight of labour laws. Low wages, poor living conditions, and a lack of social support have also driven workers away from rural jobs.
To tackle the shortage, Kyrykbayev proposed several measures. These include higher targeted grants and scholarships for agriculture students to encourage them to remain in rural regions. He also suggested extra payments for workers, wage subsidies for employers, and lower income tax rates for those in the sector. The labour gap threatens the sustainable growth of Kazakhstan's agribusiness. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously stressed the importance of boosting local food production to cut reliance on imports. Without intervention, the shortage could undermine the government's food security goals.
The government now faces pressure to act on these proposals. If implemented, the reforms could help stabilise rural employment and support long-term agricultural development. The outcome will directly impact Kazakhstan's ability to secure its food supply and reduce import dependence.
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