According to him, in 2024, Minister of Agriculture Bakyt Torobaev already discussed with millers the issues of improving the raw material base in their industry.
“During the meeting, we gathered all the millers and discussed ways to strengthen our raw material base. The minister suggested: to secure your raw materials, take farmers under your mentorship — coordinate their work, help them, and then you will be able to independently purchase and process this raw material,” Junushov noted.
He added that processors are interested in using local raw materials, as it is more economically viable and reduces dependence on imports.
“Imports cause us many problems. For example, if in 2024 we imported large volumes of wheat from Russia, then in 2025 these volumes significantly decreased, and we had to purchase more from Kazakhstan. This is due to technical restrictions on the passage of wagons. We planned to bring in about 500 wagons per month, but in reality, we received only about 100,” he explained.
Junushov also noted that the experience of the pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of an import-dependent market.
“In 2019–2020, 85% of the market consisted of imported flour. When the borders closed, a shortage arose, and prices for essential products rose by 60%. Today, such a situation does not exist,” he added.
Furthermore, the president of the Millers Association reported that according to an agreement with the Cabinet of Ministers, processors are required to maintain a stock of raw materials and finished products for a period of 2–3 months.
“At the moment, we have reserves, and we can confidently say that there are no risks similar to those that arose during the pandemic,” Junushov emphasized.
He also noted that given the current geopolitical situation, the industry continues to prepare for possible restrictions.
“We are expanding storage capacities. The government is helping us with this — preferential loans are provided for leasing equipment, machinery, and working capital. These are long-term and cheap funds, which is a significant support for us,” he said.
Junushov added that with the help of government support, the milling industry hopes to achieve its set goals for ensuring its own raw material base in the near future.
