ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 25. A contract for the supply of solid fuel has been reached between Shubarkol Komir JSC and the greenhouses in Kazakhstan's Turkestan region, securing an additional 150,000 tons of coal starting from January 1, 2024, Trend reports.
According to the country's Ministry of Trade and Integration, the agreement comes after several rounds of negotiations involving representatives from the ministries of industry and infrastructure development, agriculture, the Turkestan regional akimat (administration), greenhouse enterprises, regional coal suppliers, coal companies, and Kazakhstan Railways JSC.
The shipment will start from January 1, 2024. As of July 20, the region has already received 148,800 tons of coal, with greenhouse enterprises purchasing 28,000 tons of it.
Earlier this year, in February 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Integration, Serik Zhumangarin, met with greenhouse farmers in the Turkestan region who had been affected by heavy snowfall. During the meeting, the farmers requested sufficient coal supply and the reinstatement of subsidies.
In response, the deputy PM informed the farmers about the government's decision to subsidize greenhouse enterprises. To be eligible for subsidies, greenhouses must undergo certification and comply with production standards, for which a national standard is being developed.
The Ministry of Agriculture is currently working on implementing the subsidy program for greenhouses within the framework of priority crop production. The plan includes subsidizing heating expenses during the off-season. To apply for subsidies, greenhouses will need to obtain a certificate demonstrating compliance with production technologies.