Name of scientific and technical program: IRN BR21882327 «Development of new technologies for organic production and processing of agricultural products» for 2023-2025.
Relevance:
For Kazakhstan, which has vast, ecologically clean arable land and pastures (in Kazakhstan, mineral fertilizers are applied to only 10.7% of the total sown area of agricultural land, the application of chemical pesticides is 0.6 kg/ha), the production of organic products is a huge prospect, which Kazakhstan should take advantage of by creating the necessary conditions for agricultural production facilities for the transition to environmentally friendly technologies and the promotion of domestic organic products to foreign markets. According to Grand View Research, Inc., EAEU member countries can occupy up to 20% of the global organic products market. In this regard, taking into account the ratios of the agro-industrial complex of the EAEU member countries, we can conclude that Kazakhstan has the opportunity to occupy 2.5-3.0% of this market (up to $3.5 billion annually). Currently, the volume of exports of Kazakhstani organic products is about $33.3 million (2021). For comparison, in Kazakhstan in 2021, the export of traditional agricultural products amounted to $3.7 billion. According to the Union of Organic Producers of Kazakhstan, in 2022, in monetary terms, the annual volume of exports of organic products from Kazakhstan, compared to 2020, increased threefold.
Target: development of new technologies for organic production and processing of agricultural products based on the principles of “green economy” and the formation of regional technology parks and engineering centers in the agro-industrial complex.
Program objectives:
- Develop innovative technologies in feeding, keeping, reproduction and breedind of farm animals, based on the principles of organic production characteristic of local conditions, with the creation of experimental modular production for wide distribution in livestock farming;
- Develop innovative technologies in cultivation and selection of crops based on the principles of organic farming, with the creation of experimental modular production for wide distribution in crop production;
- Develop innovative technologies for processing animal and plant raw materials based on the principles of organic agriculture with the creation of modular production of various environmentally friendly products;
- Develop effective technologies for soil bioremediation and restoration of soil fertility when cleaning contaminated agricultural areas;
- Integrate innovative technologies into educational and production processes in the field of agriculture, with the creation of regional technology parks and high-tech engineering centers in the agro-industrial complex;
- Develop an information and analytical database of innovations in the field of organic agriculture with the creation of a digital platform for agricultural organizations.
Expected results:
Innovative technologies for feeding, keeping and reproduction of farm animals have been developed, based on the use of new generation biological products and biological additives, ensuring an increase in their productivity and epizootic well-being; technologies have been developed for improving and creating new genotypes of farm animals based on the use of achievements of DNA technologies in breeding; innovative technologies for cultivating and growing plant crops have been developed based on the use of biologically active substances and biological products that can ensure an increase in their productivity and phytosanitary safety in a wide range of external conditions, long-acting organic fertilizers, rational use of water and land resources; technologies have been developed for improving and creating new varieties of agricultural crops based on the use of DNA technology achievements in breeding; technologies have been developed for soil bioremediation and restoration of soil fertility, which work effectively in cleaning contaminated agricultural areas; technologies have been developed for the production of functional food products with increased nutritional and biological value, and for special purposes in accordance with the principles of food combinatorics, containing antioxidants of natural origin, which improve health and prevent premature aging of the human body with the creation of modular production of environmentally friendly products of various assortments; effective technologies have been developed for processing animal waste into organic fertilizer and secondary raw materials of animal origin as feed additives and fertilizers in crop production, allowing rational and waste-free use of by-products to increase soil fertility, productivity of farm animals and plant crops while ensuring the environmental safety with the creation of modular production; 1 regional technological park in agriculture, crop production and processing, 1 engineering center for innovation in livestock breeding and processing of agricultural products, equipped with modern equipment and instruments of the production and educational cycle, have been formed; a system has been developed for organizing and integrating innovations in organic production and processing of agricultural raw materials, based on the principles of green economy, which allows highly efficient organization and management of a complex of scientific, technical, production and educational activities in the field of agro-industrial complex of the regions, in order to develop scientific products, commercialize the obtained scientific results and providing services to agricultural producers; an information and analytical database of innovations in organic production and processing of agricultural products of the agro-industrial complex has been developed with the creation of a digital platform and digital services for agricultural entities; 1 (one) variety of spring triticale was transferred to the State Commission for Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 6 monographs and 6 textbooks will be published in the field of innovative technologies for organic production and processing of agricultural products; 14 (fourteen) articles and (or) reviews will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications in the scientific direction of the program, included in the 1st (first), 2nd (second) quartile by impact factor in the Web database of Science and (or) having a CiteScore percentile in the Scopus database of at least 50 (fifty); 20 (twenty) articles will be published in journals recommended by COKNVO; 13 (thirteen) objects of intellectual property will be received, registered with the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Kazakhstan; 10 technologies will be developed: production of organic products, biological products, feed additives, organic fertilizers; received at least 1 (one) foreign or international patent included in the Derwent database Innovations Index (Web of Science, Clarivate Analytics); 1 information and analytical database of innovations in organic production and processing of agricultural products of the agro-industrial complex will be developed and a pilot project will be launched; 1 system for the reliability of accounting and traceability of production and turnover of organic products will be developed and a pilot project of the system will be launched; the following disciplines will be developed and implemented: “Organic livestock farming”, “Organic farming and crop production”, “Processing and labeling of organic food products”; 1 scientific and practical conference, 5 seminars and round tables will be held, advanced training for at least 5 people per year.
Results obtained under the program for 2024:
A survey of pasture vegetation in economically significant areas was conducted. The phytocenotic diversity of the vegetation in the farming area is represented by grass-wormwood-herbaceous plant communities. The botanical composition of the vegetation in the pasture areas includes 35 plant species from 8 families and 25 genera. The economic productivity of the pasture biomass in the year of the study ranged from 1.3 to 5.3 tons/ha in the spring season, 1.8 to 6.0 tons/ha in the summer, and 1.0 to 4.8 tons/ha in the autumn. The chemical composition and nutritional value of the pasture biomass varied: crude protein ranged from 9.4% to 11.1%, crude fiber from 30.75% to 32.98%, crude fat from 2.30% to 2.60%, crude ash from 9.44% to 11.63%, nitrogen-free extract (NFE) from 34.60% to 43.60%, and carotene from 17.11 to 18.99 mg/kg. Digestible protein ranged from 66.7 to 88.7 g, and metabolizable energy from 6.90 to 8.22 MJ.
To extend the grazing period in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, winter pastures for livestock grazing were established. The implementation of a smart pasture system demonstrated high efficiency in managing cattle. The introduction of automatic weighing platforms with RFID identification and a system for processing with biological preparations reduced the time required for procedures and significantly improved the accuracy of insecticide-acaricide dosage. The use of solar energy for the autonomous operation of the system made it more economically viable and environmentally sustainable, reducing equipment operating costs.
A prototype design for a mobile application was developed in Figma, featuring over 40 screen forms for various functionalities. The project also includes the structure of a database with 24 business classes, as well as the development of a web service for data synchronization. This web service incorporates methods for retrieving and providing data for the mobile application, with a total of 48 web methods. Additionally, a web application was created on the XAF platform for Blazor, allowing users to view, create, edit, and delete over 20 business objects in the system.
A mobile application prototype for farmers managing organic production was designed, including four main sections: livestock, smart pastures, smart pens, animal assessment, and veterinary services. The app features over 30 screen forms for operations.
A feed additive named "Gummikst" was developed, characterized by stable properties, non-toxicity, and safety for animals. It is microbiologically pure and contains a locally-produced humic substance preparation, providing a biologically active effect that increases the body weight of laboratory animals.
A visual assessment of animal body condition was conducted on 84 cows and 11 heifers over one year old kept on "smart" pastures. Cows and heifers over two years old on these pastures were found to have a body condition score ranging from 5 to 7 points.
The degree of infestation of cattle with arachnoentomoses during the spring-summer period in the conditions of this farm was established, with the determination of the abundance index and prevalence index. The species composition of cattle ectoparasites is as follows: Musca spp.: AI (Abundance Index) 0–0.7 specimens, PI (Prevalence Index) 19%, Culex spp.: AI 0–4.3 specimens, PI 0–100%, Simulium spp.: AI 0–4.3 specimens, PI 0–100%, Tabanus spp.: AI 0–3.5 specimens, PI 0–33%, Bovicola spp.: AI 8.6–11 specimens, PI 0–100%, Dermacentor spp.: AI 1.2–3.2 specimens, PI 25–35%.
Optimal parameters for using an insecticidal preparation obtained by pyrolysis of plant fiber and containing essential oils of Nepeta cataria were determined. The preparation was used in a 0.2% aqueous solution with a consumption of 500±100 ml per animal. During the day, with three approaches of the animal to the waterer, 450–600 ml of the working solution was applied to the coat. Animals were re-treated against ectoparasites during the grazing period at intervals of 15 days.
Evaluation results of Kazakh white-headed bulls showed that live weight increased by 22.2% and 21.6% during the evaluation period. The average growth intensity of the bulls was 1,298 g and 638.73 g. The average feed conversion ratio (on a dry matter basis) was 6.38 and 7.3.
Horses of the new Irtysh factory type of the Mugalzhar breed differ from Kazakh horses of the Abai region with a higher live weight and relatively larger measurements. These horses are characterized by massiveness, harmonious build, strong and dense constitution, adequate bone structure, normal leg posture and structure, and uniform coat colors (dun, buckskin). Mares of the Irtysh factory type of the Mugalzhar breed are highly milk-producing, with bowl-shaped udders and flat teats. They have well-developed milk veins, with daily milk yields of no less than 14 liters. The fertility rate of the mares is no less than 80%.
A duck line was created using a combined selection method (family combined with individual) with an evaluation of breeders based on the quality of linear and hybrid offspring. According to the incubation results, the average weight of eggs set ranged from 89.2 g, egg fertility was 87%, hatchability of eggs was 86.9%, and the hatch rate of ducklings was 87%. An application for a breeding achievement №2024/022.5 for the "Kyzylzhar Maternal Duck Line" was submitted and received a positive preliminary examination (notification dated September 2, 2024).
An analysis revealed antibiotic levels above the permissible limit in beef, poultry, and sausage from domestic producers. Beef samples showed a maximum CMR (maximum residue level) value of 0.009 mg/kg, almost 1.8 times higher than the standard (0.005). Elevated antibiotic content was also detected in poultry meat.
Field trials demonstrated that organic methods, such as the use of green manure, biological preparations, and natural fertilizers, contributed to reducing plant diseases, improving soil structure and fertility, and enhancing the overall quality of seed material. These findings confirm that organic farming promotes the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems and maintains high yields without the use of chemical agents, making it a reliable foundation for environmentally friendly agricultural production.
The evaluation of various organic farming methods, including crop rotations, soil improvement techniques, and pest and disease management strategies, showed that a comprehensive approach stabilizes agroecosystems and enhances the overall efficiency of organic production. Crop rotation involving plants that improve soil structure and suppress weeds resulted in an increase in soil organic matter content and heightened biological activity. The adoption of biological pest and disease control methods reduced damage levels without the use of chemical pesticides. Thus, these methods in organic farming have proven effective and can be recommended for widespread use to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural production.
Based on molecular genetic screening for stem rust resistance genes Sr21, Sr22, Sr35, Sr43, and Sr47, only the Sr21 gene was not identified in the studied samples. Detection of the Sr22, Sr35, Sr43, and Sr47 genes showed positive results in all wheat varieties. The varieties Shortandinskaya 95 Improved, Shortandinskaya 2012, Shortandinskaya 2014, and Taymas were identified as carriers of the listed resistance genes to stem rust (Sr22, Sr35, Sr43, Sr47). It was found that the Taymas variety is the sole carrier of the Lr9 gene, indicating its high resistance to leaf rust. The screening for the presence of Bt group genes (Bt12, Bt8, Bt10, Bt11), responsible for resistance to common bunt, revealed that the varieties Shortandinskaya 2012, Shortandinskaya 2014, and Taymas each carry two resistance genes. The Shortandinskaya 95 Improved variety carries only Bt10.
In the reporting year, the following agricultural crops were sown on fields of the North Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station LLP, meeting organic farming standards: spring triticale – 89 ha (seed plots), spring triticale – 182 ha (production plots), winter rye – 6 ha (seed plots), annual grasses for silage – 149 ha, perennial grasses – 763 ha.
Cattle grazing on natural pastures compliant with organic farming standards was conducted over an area of 3,934 ha.
The yield of spring triticale varieties ranged from 13.6 to 28.4 centners per hectare, while the standard yield was 19.2 centners per hectare. Eight varieties demonstrated a yield increase compared to the standard: Slovo (+5.1 c/ha), Grebyeshok (+2.4 c/ha), Dobroe (+7.0 c/ha), Line No. 35 (+9.2 c/ha), Zaozerye (+4.7 c/ha), Carmen (+0.3 c/ha), Norman (+3.9 c/ha), Seltso (+8.5 c/ha). The varieties Zaozerye and Carmen stood out with the best structural yield indicators: spike length of 9.5–10.0 cm, the number of grains per spike of 50.9–61.4, grain weight per spike of 2.83–3.35 g, and 1,000-grain weight of 44.3–55.2 g.The protein content in the grain of the studied spring triticale varieties ranged from 15.5% to 17.3%. Varieties with higher protein content included Petrovich, Zaozerye, and Carmen.
The following varieties and hybrids demonstrated resistance to fungal diseases: Rossika (spring soft wheat), Svetlanka (spring soft wheat), Pyrotrix 28 (spring soft wheat), Chelyaba Rannya (spring soft wheat), Rossika × Chelyaba Rannya (spring triticale × spring soft wheat), Polba × Granni (emmer wheat × spring soft wheat). This material holds significant potential for use in the breeding process of spring soft wheat to develop varieties resistant to fungal diseases.
Technological parameters for producing a microbiological bio-preparation to create organic fertilizer in a bioreactor were refined.
Research comprehensively evaluated several key functional, technological, and structural-mechanical characteristics of organic cooked sausages with the addition of purslane powder. The results confirm the significant positive effect of purslane in improving the texture, fat, and moisture retention properties of the product, as well as its nutritional and microbiological stability. Structural-mechanical studies showed that organic beef had higher shear force values compared to non-organic beef—121.30 Pa versus 88.24 Pa, respectively. This indicates a denser and firmer structure in organic beef, contributing to better fat and moisture retention.
The viscosity of organic beef was also higher (242.6 Pa·s versus 176.48 Pa·s), enhancing the emulsion properties of the mince, preventing separation, and increasing the stability of the sausage products. Fat retention capacity (FRC) of the finished product improved with the addition of 1.2% purslane powder, increasing FRC from 85% to 87%. This demonstrates a significant improvement in the product's ability to retain fat during thermal processing, enhancing juiciness and preventing fat loss—especially important in organic sausage production, where synthetic emulsifiers are prohibited. The 2% FRC increase confirms greater stability of the fat matrix, leading to improved texture and organoleptic properties of the final product.
It was found that sprouting triticale grain increases the content of essential amino acids, vitamins, and accelerates processes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, facilitating their digestion. This makes sprouted triticale suitable for use in the production of functional foods. Additionally, berries of Amelanchier (serviceberry), mushrooms of the Cantharellus cibarius genus (chanterelles), and mushrooms of the Suillus bovinus genus were identified as promising natural sources of vitamins, polyphenols, and minerals, with high safety indicators, for enhancing the nutritional and biological value of porridge.
The study of the chemical composition of eggs showed that duck eggs contain a higher concentration of lipids. To develop a biopreparation for the sanitary treatment of duck eggs, a strain of Pediococcus pentosaceus 6P was isolated, which exhibits high antagonistic activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Optimal pasteurization parameters for duck egg melange were determined: a temperature of 60°C for 3 minutes. Research indicated that adding 10% sodium chloride and 1% sucrose can improve the quality of the melange.
Optimal parameters for freeze-drying eggs were also established: a desublimator temperature of -40°C, shelf temperature during final drying of +35°C, and a sublimation process time of 14 hours. Based on these studies, a technology for producing melange from organic duck eggs and a process for obtaining egg powder were developed.
To simplify the management of organic farms by automating data accounting related to production, requirements and architecture were developed for a system that automates farm management, ensuring full traceability of organic products at all stages of production and processing. Additionally, the system will store information about certification procedures, facilitating the monitoring of organic product status and helping farmers receive timely notifications about certificate renewals. An important feature of the system will be the dissemination of innovations and advanced methods of organic farming, which will positively impact the entire organic product sector.
A collection of microorganism strains capable of decomposition was created. These strains are used to produce biological preparations that enhance the decomposition of residual pesticides and plant-based remains.
As part of the program implementation, work has begun on establishing:
- A regional technology park at the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S.Seifullin with the participation of the Research and Production Centre of Grain Production named after A.I. Barayev (Akmola region, Shortandy district, Nauchny settlement) (hereinafter referred to as the RPC GP). The park focuses on agriculture, crop production, and processing, equipped with modern machines, tools, and equipment for cleaning, sorting, and packaging organic seeds in compliance with organic certification requirements for seed production and processing.
- A regional engineering innovation center at the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin with the participation of the North Kazakhstan Agricultural Experiment Station LLP (North Kazakhstan region, Akkayin district, Shagalaly settlement) (hereinafter referred to as NKAES). The center specializes in livestock farming with full infrastructure, digital technologies, and agricultural product processing.
- A laboratory based at the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin, equipped with modern tools and instruments for assessing the quality and safety of organic products.
Efforts to integrate innovative technologies into education and production processes in agriculture continued with the creation of regional technology parks and high-tech engineering centers in the agro-industrial complex. New disciplines have been developed: "Organic Livestock Farming", "Organic Agriculture and Crop Production", and "Processing and Labeling of Organic Food Products".
Agreements were signed for the supply of equipment: for processing organic beef into sausages with natural salt substitutes, for the comprehensive processing of grains into organic instant cereals, dry breakfasts, and animal feed, for the creation of a laboratory for assessing the quality and safety of organic products.
Additionally, within the framework of the program, there is a preliminary agreement on the creation of a technopark platform at Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin. This includes funding of 2 million yuan from the Jinshahe Corporation (China) for the purchase of laboratory equipment to establish a China-Kazakhstan Wheat Center, as well as annual financial support of 300,000–500,000 yuan.
The European certification body LLC Certification and Testing Center conducted inspections on July 1, 2024, at RPC GP and July 2, 2024, at NKAES to ensure compliance with EU regulations and internal certification documents for organic production. Transitional operator identification numbers were obtained, specialized organic production documentation was developed, and a declaration of intent to comply with organic production and trade standards was signed.
The research results include 18 articles published in journals recommended by the Science and Higher Education Quality Assurance Committee (SHEQAC), five presentations at international conferences, advanced training for seven employees, and two seminars on organic livestock and crop production and processing, involving agricultural product manufacturers and interested organizations.
Scientific supervisor of the program – Candidate of Biological Sciences Ospankulova Gulnazym Khamitovna
h- Scopus index – 6; h- index Web of Science – 5; Author ID in Scopus – 57194595106; Researcher ID Web of Science - AAS-3980-2020; ORCID ID - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6043-4658
Research team members:
Foreign scientist from China: Doctor of Science, Professor Lü Xin, h-index - 26 Web of Science Researcher ID: HKF-4716-2023 Scopus Author ID: 55967356100
Head of the subprogram - Candidate of Biological Sciences Savin Timur Vladimirovich
h- Scopus index – 4, h- Web of Science index – 4; Author ID in Scopus – 57188589888; Researcher ID Web of Science - AAD-6215-2020; ORCID ID - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3550-647x
Head of the subprogram - Candidate of Ph.-M. Sciences Tokbergenov Ismail Tasanbievich
h-index – 4, Scopus Author ID – 6506474750; ORCID - 0000-0002-0656-9914
Head of the subprogram – Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, associate professor Uskenov Rashit Bakhitzhanovich
h-index -1; ORCID ID- 0000-0003-2163-2392; Author ID Scopus: 57194221497
performers:
Head of the subprogram – Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Ainash Pahuashovna Nauanova (BIO-KATU LLP)
h-index – 2; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5250-1961; Scopus ID: 57191541337
Head of the subprogram - Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor Bulashev Berdibek Kabkenovich
Web of Science Researcher ID HRA-4691-2023; Scopus Author ID: 57218825492; ORCID: 0000-0003-1831-3315
Head of the subprogram – Solovyov Oleg Yurievich, Master of Agricultural Sciences ORCID ID: 0002-7341-5851
h-index – 2; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5250-1961; Scopus ID: 57191541337
Information for potential users:
Within the framework of this program, it is planned to develop technologies for organic agriculture, the production of new types of functional, health-saving products with specified characteristics, based on the principles of organic production, in order to ensure the development of the food industry, expanding the range of finished products, resource saving, by increasing the output per unit of raw materials, reducing waste, as well as reducing the environmental load.
Additional Information:
Interest in the implementation of this program is expressed by the Akimat of the Shortandinsky District, the Akimat of the Akkaiynsky District, the Union of Producers of Organic Products of Kazakhstan, Enbek LLP, as well as “Novobratskoe and K” LLP, GlobalGenKz LLP, Scientific-Research LLP, “Research and Production Centre of Grain Production named after A.I. Barayev”, LLP “North Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station”, co-financing the program.