A Kazakh family farm blends tradition with modern irrigation for year-round harvests

Vasily Yugay runs a 35-hectare vegetable farm in Arshaly District. His family has worked the land for three generations, continuing a tradition started by his grandfather. The farm delivers fresh produce to Nur-Sultan every day, along with other cities like Kökşetau and Karaganda. The farm grows a variety of crops, including cabbages, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and cucumbers. Its season starts in February with greenhouse seedlings and ends in early October after months of intensive work.

To save water and labour, the farm uses drip irrigation. This system allows just two workers to manage 30 hectares, compared to eight needed with traditional furrow methods. Water is sourced from the Ishim River, passing through double filtration before use. The setup includes sturdy supply hoses and drip tapes, with each hectare’s installation costing up to one million tenge.

The farm employs around 50 people, split evenly between local workers and seasonal labourers from Uzbekistan. During harvest, workers earn 10,000 tenge per day. The farm’s efficient irrigation and workforce keep it productive across a long growing season. Its daily deliveries help supply fresh vegetables to multiple cities. The operation balances modern techniques with a long-standing family tradition.