Socially significant products

In agriculture, there is a steady growth of 3.1%. This was announced by the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asset Irgaliyev at a meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"There is a positive trend in 13 regions. The greatest growth was shown by Akmola region due to an increase in the slaughter of livestock and poultry, and production of raw cow's milk. At the same time, a decrease is noted in Atyrau and North Kazakhstan regions due to a decrease in the production of chicken eggs," the minister added.

At the same time, prices for social goods increased by 2.6%.

The maximum price increase (3.3%) was recorded in the West Kazakhstan region and in Shymkent, the Minister of Trade and Integration Bakhyt Sultanov said. "In 8 more regions, prices have increased above the average level recorded in the country, that is, from 2.7% to 2.9%. Most of all, prices rose for import-dependent products, goods with high export demand, as well as vegetables, which traditionally become more expensive in the off – season," he said during a government meeting.

Due to the reduction in egg production by 8.4%, the increase in the price of feed and pesticides by 25%, as well as the spread of avian flu, eggs have risen in price, the minister added. "The increase in prices for sunflower oil and sugar was due to an increase in world prices, a reduction in acreage in neighboring countries and an increase in the cost of export products. In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture, together with regional executive bodies, needs to maximize production not only for import-dependent goods, but also for products that have a high share of exports, " Bakhyt Sultanov concluded

According to the head of the department, trade measures are planned to reduce prices.

"To implement these measures, the akimats need to strengthen the work on the implementation of trade policy and control functions," he said, explaining that it is proposed to set maximum prices, conclude contracts with market entities, and increase the "turnover scheme".

In addition, it provides for the establishment of quotas for export goods and raw materials, increasing production and supporting enterprises.

"It is planned to fix electricity tariffs for the manufacturers of socially significant goods. In addition, the stabilization funds will be revised with a focus on import-dependent goods," the minister said. He said that according to the plans, the Ministry of Agriculture together with the Food Corporation will strengthen the work on increasing forward contracts during the spring field work.

At the legislative level, it is planned to simplify the competitive procedures of public procurement, reduce the time for approving resolutions on setting maximum prices, and introduce a price forecasting mechanism. "The launch of the national commodity distribution system and the social purse, instructed by the Head of State in the Address to the people, will allow, on the one hand, to stabilize prices, on the other hand, to provide a market for products for domestic producers and financial resources that are in the turnover of the economy," Sultanov concluded.