Kazakhstan's greenhouse industry has been on a steady growth trajectory since 2008, with the introduction of modern technologies and the construction of greenhouses across the country. With over 2,500 hectares of registered greenhouse areas, including 300 hectares of high-tech greenhouse complexes, the industry has established a strong presence, particularly in the southern region of Kazakhstan. A notable contributor to this market is Greenhouse Technologies of Kazakhstan LLC, a company that has been actively involved in the industry since its establishment in 2008. Initially operating as a greenhouse equipment supplier and builder, Greenhouse Technologies later embarked on its own greenhouse project.
"Our company started as a greenhouse equipment supplier and greenhouse builder company, and later, our owners decided to build a greenhouse for ourselves," says Alexander Gribalev. "Nowadays, we're growing tomatoes, cucumbers, salads, and strawberries on an area of almost 6 hectares." The facility is equipped with modern-day technologies, including elevated gutters, enabling the growers to make the most out of the available space by even growing above the walking paths in the greenhouse. "We lower them to take care of the crop and harvest the fruits and elevate the gutters again after that."
Aqmola region
Their growing facility is situated in the Aqmola region, near the capital of Kazakhstan. In their operations, Greenhouse Technologies employs Priva automation technology and collaborates with Agrotech Didam as their equipment supplier. Plants are being grown in cocopeat slabs from Biogrow. While the company primarily caters its produce to the local market, it also engages in export activities to Siberian regions of Russia, thereby expanding its reach beyond national borders.
-40 and strong winds
According to Alexander, greenhouse growers in Kazakhstan face quite some challenges. "To speak as a North part grower, this part of the country contends with harsh climatic conditions during the winter, including temperatures that plummet to -40°C, accompanied by strong winds and snowstorms."
"Additionally, the high prices of electric power pose a significant concern due to the necessity of using grow lights in response to low UV indexes. Then, recent geopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have led to increased prices for equipment and spare parts. Moreover, rising transportation costs present an additional obstacle for industry players."
Self-sufficiency
At the same time, many opportunities remain as the country struggles with its self-sufficiency – and high-tech greenhouses are a solution, which is why the acreage continues to grow and also why Greenhouse Technologies of Kazakhstan LLC continues to supply other greenhouses with techniques, services, solutions, and support. Alexander is certified as a Priva and Ridder consultant and is also learning about the Hoogendoorn products. "Throughout the past decade, substantial investments in large-scale greenhouse facilities have been concentrated in several regions of Kazakhstan, particularly in the north-western areas of Aqtobe and Uralsk, as well as the southern regions of Almaty and Turkestan," Alexander says, adding that last year, Agrotech Didam contributed to a project in the North Kazakhstan region, which marked the introduction of the first modern glasshouse in the area. Alexander is to support the installation of the hoisting system in the facility, which is to start operating later this year.
For more information:
Greenhouse Technologies of Kazakhstan
[email protected]