Kazakhstan launches $20 million olive cultivation project
Country aims to plant one million trees, produce domestic olive oil, and expand exotic crop farming
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has launched a $20 million initiative to develop the country’s first olive plantations, with plans to cultivate up to 100 hectares by 2025.
The move signals a new direction in agricultural diversification, positioning olives and olive oil as part of the nation’s long-term food strategy.
The project was first launched in 2023 as a joint effort between Kazakh companies QVM Technology, Ordabasy Group, and Ervira, in partnership with Georgia’s Olive Georgia.
According to The Times of Central Asia, pilot plantations were established in the Zhetysu, Turkestan, and Mangistau regions, where over 6,000 olive seedlings were planted—achieving a survival rate of 99.7%.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, recently met with George Svanidze, President of Global Olive Corporation, to discuss the expansion of olive cultivation and olive oil production.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a Road Map outlining key implementation phases.
The project expanded in spring 2024 with new seedlings imported from Spain and Turkey. The first full harvest is expected within five years.
“Our goal is to increase the share of processed agricultural products to 70%,” Saparov said. “The development of the olive industry is strategically important for the agro-industrial complex. We are committed to providing comprehensive support for this project.”
George Svanidze outlined plans to plant up to one million olive trees, construct a state-of-the-art olive oil production facility, and establish a nursery to propagate seedlings.
He also pledged to bring in international experts and train Kazakhstani agronomists to ensure sustainability and high-quality yields.
Preliminary estimates suggest annual production could reach 150,000 tons of olives, yielding up to 30,000 tons of olive oil.
Kazakhstan has also been experimenting with other non-native crops.
In the Turkestan region, a five-hectare banana plantation yields about 1,000 tons annually.
Local authorities are now supporting further tropical crop trials, including mangoes and avocados, on a planned 90-hectare site.
These developments reflect Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture, diversify crop production, boost food security, and enhance export capacity.
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