World Monitor Magazine WM_November_2019_web | Page 23

EXPERT OPINION
pricing methodologies and the
application of new technologies
for tracking the origin of products?
Despite the fact that the modern
value chain is becoming more
transparent than ever, the end user
wants to know more about the
product (from the main producer of
raw materials to the supermarket).
In this regard, the ability to track the
origin of the final product plays a key
role. In addition, this question should
always be raised in the work of each
value chain: Does each participant
in the chain contribute to the end-
user’s satisfaction? Modern IT
technologies are already increasing
the transparency of the chain. In
some countries, the name of the
farmer is indicated on the packaging
of products sold in supermarkets.
In Ukraine, in some cases, the
primary producer of dairy products is
indicated. In the future, this trend will
become even more widespread.
The development of human capital
and the potential of agricultural
workers – what is the complexity
and need for investment? (We
can raise the issue of developing
private agricultural production
and the sustainability of small
farms.)
Farmer training and knowledge
transfer are critical to primary
production. Effective educational
programs are required. In our country,
farmers from different subsectors
organize (official and unofficial) events
in order to exchange agricultural
experience. We see each other, not
competitors, but professionals striving
to improve productivity through
the exchange of knowledge and
experience. Such a mutual assistance
system is the basis of innovative
agriculture and leads to high quality
products and higher yields. It is
difficult for small farms to stay afloat,
as agricultural production requires
an ever-increasing investment and
knowledge. However, I believe that
specialized small farms may be in
demand, but only in niche markets.
Sustainability of the agricultural
sector in Kazakhstan – how realistic
is the long-term sustainable
development of the industry,
taking into account neighboring
countries and the importance of
diversifying product markets?
Competition
among
neighboring
countries will only increase, hence
the need to improve agricultural
efficiency. Today, Kazakhstan is a net
importer of certain goods. Given the
presence of different climatic zones,
I would advise focusing on import
substitution. Kazakhstan has more
climatic zones than in neighboring
countries, and this in itself creates
the potential for more competitive
and more sustainable agricultural
production in the country.
supported by EUROBAK
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