By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
In a major private capital infusion into Central Asia’s agricultural sector, Harvest Group, a Swiss commodities giant specializing in ag crops like wheat, corn, soy and barley, has committed $500 million to a major land development initiative in Kazakhstan. Through its subsidiary Harvest Agro, the firm has committed to overhauling up to 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres) of rural pastureland into highly productive agricultural acreage. This ambitious project marks the latest chapter in Harvest’s ongoing push to build more resilient and dependable global food systems.
The deal was made official through an agreement signed by Harvest Agro Holding Director Yerzhan Elekeev and NC Kazakh Invest Chairman Daulet Uvashev. NC Kazakh is an entity formed by the country and designed to attract international investments into the regional economy. Launched in 2015 by Kazakh entrepreneur Almaz Alsenov, Harvest Group is a global agricultural trader that continues to exert its influence and reshape segments of the industry.
The initial stage of the plan will see 150,000 hectares (370,658 acres) of remote pastureland converted into irrigated agricultural land, with a blueprint to double this output eventually. As a key part of the strategy, Harvest Group will be implementing cutting-edge water management through the harnessing of underground sources and advanced water-saving technologies, aiming for a sixfold increase in soil productivity.
These directives align with Kazakhstan’s wider mission to bolster its irrigated land base to 2.5 million hectares (6.2 million acres) by 2030. The collaboration also reinforces Harvest Group’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural methods and strengthening international food security on a broader scale.
The project anticipates generating over 1,000 permanent jobs in rural areas, unlocking fresh opportunities for local farmers, technicians and crucial supply chains. Operations are set to unfold across southern and eastern Kazakhstan, encompassing the regions of Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Turkestan, Pavlodar, Kyzylorda and East Kazakhstan.
The newly developed land is slated for the cultivation of fodder and high-value crops like corn and soybean, intended for both export and domestic consumption. Additionally, the initiative involves constructing energy and engineering infrastructure, preparing the land and, ultimately, jumpstarting agricultural production.
Separately, Harvest Group made a strategic push into the African market with a $12 million commitment at year-end 2024. That particular initiative focused on establishing operations in Kenya, notably developing a distribution hub at the Port of Mombasa, strategically positioned to meet the continent’s growing food demand.
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