Astana, Kazakhstan - 10 April 2025 — The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) participated in the International Scientific Conference titled “Organic and Regenerative Agriculture: Global Challenges and Local Solutions”, organized by S.Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATU) in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The conference gathered prominent scientists, policymakers, academic leaders, and international experts to address critical topics in sustainable agriculture. The plenary session featured opening remarks by the Chairman of the Board – Rector of KATU, Professor Kanat Tireuov, the Vice-Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Erbol Taszhurekov, the Chairperson of the Board of the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NASEC), Dr. Aigul Akhmedzhanova, Member of Parliament of the Majilis, H.E. Mr. Anas Bakkozhayev, and the Deputy Chairman of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Ayan Ramazan.
H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director General of IOFS, attended the Conference as Guest of Honour. The IOFS delegation also included Program Managers Mr. Anuar Tassymov and Mr. Bakdaulet Yerkhanov, and Project Manager Mr. Bakytzhan Arystanbek.
One of the key highlights of the conference was KATU’s first-ever initiative to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture through the “Agritech Startup Ideas” competition. With a total prize fund of 20 million tenge, awarding one million tenge per selected project, the competition received 44 applications. The jury, composed of representatives from the agribusiness sector, shortlisted 18 of the most promising startups and identified five leading projects for further development. The competition emphasized transparency and future engagement with the private sector. All selected startups presented their solutions during the event, and the winners were recognized in an official ceremony led by the Vice-Minister of Agriculture.
Throughout the day, the IOFS delegation attended several key sessions of the Conference. In particular, the delegation took part in the “Agritech Startup Ideas” competition to explore emerging agricultural solutions. In addition two thematic parallel sessions: “Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence in the Agro-industrial Complex” and “Regenerative Agriculture and Bioresources.” were especially relevant to IOFS activities under its Bio & Agri-Tech Development Programme and provided insights into opportunities for collaboration with KATU, particularly in the context of upcoming initiatives such as the presentation of manuals on IoT technologies and biochar application under the IOFS-ICESCO-KazNARU project.
The Islamic Organization for Food Security extended sincere appreciation to the leadership of KATU and the Conference Organizing Committee for their warm hospitality and for delivering a well-structured and impactful event that significantly contributed to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan and beyond.
