Aktobe, Kazakhstan, 18 November 2024 — The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) launched a physical training session on alfalfa production for local farmers in the Aktobe region of Kazakhstan. The training, held on Monday, marks a milestone in a series of educational activities designed to strengthen agricultural capacity in the region, particularly in livestock forage development.
This training session is a continuation of the webinars on Livestock Forage Development that were delivered by Turkish experts earlier in the summer of 2024. Organized in partnership with the Turkish MEVKA Development Agency, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken", and the Aktobe Regional Governor's Office, the session focused on imparting crucial knowledge and technologies related to alfalfa production, including water and seed management, harvesting techniques, pest control, and more.
The event also highlighted the future plans for the implementation of the Alfalfa Planting Project, which will utilize Turkish seeds and technology in demo plots across the Aktobe region, slated for 2025. This project aims to significantly boost local alfalfa production and provide a pathway to regional and international markets for the high-quality forage crop.
The seminar attracted considerable interest from local agricultural producers, with approximately 40 entrepreneurs from the region participating. The event featured a hybrid format, with some participants attending in person, while others joined remotely from remote areas of the region. Danabek Yerzhanov, Head of the Agricultural Department at the Regional ATAMEKEN Chamber of Entrepreneurs, noted that the seminar was a valuable opportunity to enhance the competencies of local farmers and entrepreneurs. “At the Chamber of Entrepreneurs, we actively support local business development, including agriculture, and emphasize the importance of knowledge exchange for the growth of the agricultural sector in the region,” said Mr. Yerzhanov.
This training initiative is part of IOFS’s ongoing commitment to building sustainable agricultural systems in the region and contributing to food security across the Muslim world. By advancing the production and trade of high-quality forage like alfalfa, the IOFS is working to support local economies, foster innovation in agricultural practices, and ensure long-term food security for the people of Kazakhstan and the wider region.
