Harvest Group SA, a Swiss based agri commodities company, has committed US$ 500 million toward a large scale agricultural development project in Kazakhstan. The initiative, which is being carried out through Harvest Group’s subsidiary Harvest Agro Holding, is said to be one of the largest single private sector investments in the country’s agricultural sector. It aims to regenerate as much as 300k hectares of pastureland into irrigated and productive farmland across several rural regions in southern and eastern Kazakhstan.
The Harvest Group’s project was formally initiated in June 2025 with the signing of an agreement between Yerzhan Elekeev, Director of Harvest Agro Holding, and Daulet Uvashev, Chairman of the Board of NC Kazakh Invest. NC Kazakh Invest is a national joint stock company established to facilitate foreign investment and support sustainable economic growth in Kazakhstan. The signing marks the start of a phased development strategy that is expected to not only revitalize underutilized land but also enhance Kazakhstan’s role in regional and global food supply chains.
Initial Phase Targets 150k Ha with Plans for Expansion
The first phase of the investment will convert 150k hectares of remote pastureland into irrigated farmland. This land, previously used for grazing or left uncultivated due to water scarcity, will be equipped with water management systems designed to improve soil fertility and support high yield crops. The project includes plans to expand this area to 300k hectares over time, depending on the progress of the initial phase and its impact.
A major component of the development will focus on efficient and sustainable water use. Project engineers and planners are designing irrigation systems that make use of underground water sources and incorporate modern water saving technologies. According to Harvest Group, these systems are projected to increase soil productivity by up to six times, helping the land support more diverse and valuable crop varieties.
These objectives are aligned with Kazakhstan’s national strategy, which aims to increase the country’s irrigated land to 2.5 million hectares by the year 2030. Officials say that this kind of private sector engagement is essential to achieving that goal within the target time frame.
Focus on Economic Growth and Employment in Rural Areas
Beyond agriculture, the investment is positioned to bring lasting economic benefits to rural communities. More than 1,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created across the project’s lifecycle. These roles will include agricultural technicians, engineers, irrigation specialists, logistics personnel and farm workers. In addition, the project is expected to stimulate local supply chains and service providers in areas such as construction, transport, and equipment maintenance.
The geographic scope of the project is extensive. Operations will take place across seven regions: Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Turkestan, Pavlodar, Kyzylorda and East Kazakhstan. These areas have been chosen due to their potential for agricultural development, access to water sources and proximity to key transportation routes for both domestic and international trade.
Harvest Group SA intends to cultivate a range of crops on the regenerated land, including corn and soybeans. These crops will be grown for both export and domestic consumption. The development is expected to contribute to food supply stability in Central Asia and could also open new export markets through Kazakhstan’s growing network of trade partners.
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Extensive Infrastructure and Survey Work Planned
In preparation for large scale planting, the Harvest Group’s project will begin with detailed surveys and infrastructure development. This includes engineering assessments, geological and agrochemical analysis, topographical mapping and the design of water intake systems. Infrastructure such as power supply networks and access roads will also be constructed to support the development and facilitate year round operation.
Once infrastructure is in place, the next phase will involve land preparation, irrigation installation and eventual crop production. The timeline for completion has not been publicly disclosed, but work is expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
Part of a Broader International Strategy
This move into Kazakhstan follows Harvest Group SA’s expansion into Africa, where the company invested US$ 12 million in Kenya at the end of 2024. That initiative included the establishment of a distribution hub at the Port of Mombasa to support agricultural trade across the continent. The company’s broader strategy appears to be focused on increasing food production and distribution capacity in emerging markets with underutilized agricultural potential.
The Kazakhstan project marks a new phase in the company’s approach, emphasizing land development and direct agricultural production as a means of contributing to food availability and rural development. Both Harvest Group SA and Kazakh Invest have expressed optimism about the long term impact of the initiative on Kazakhstan’s economy and its agricultural capacity.