Currently, organic crops occupy only about 1% of all sown areas in the country, although some sources indicate figures of 5-10%.
Akimaliev noted that organic production implies a complete absence of pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and other synthetic substances, and added that achieving this under conditions of mass trade is quite difficult.
For the successful development of the organic sector, it is essential to create comfortable conditions for farmers, such as preferential loans, access to irrigation water, mineral fertilizers, and necessary equipment.
“Only with comprehensive support can we ensure the sustainable development of organic production,” the scientist added.
Moreover, Akimaliev dispelled the myth of the incompatibility of organic and mineral fertilizers, explaining that mineral fertilizers are natural products. Nitrogen is extracted from the air, phosphorus from deposits, and potassium from reserves in Russia and Belarus.
According to him, when using organic fertilizers, the doses of mineral fertilizers should be reduced by half. For example, it was previously recommended to apply 120 kg of nitrogen per hectare, but now only 60 kg is sufficient. Similarly, the norm for phosphorus has decreased from 180 to 90 kg, and for potassium from 70 to 35 kg.
Long-term studies have shown that the highest yield is achieved through the combined use of both organic and mineral fertilizers.
“These two types of fertilizers do not compete; they complement each other. A complete rejection of mineral fertilizers in favor of organic ones can negatively affect yield and soil fertility,” noted Akimaliev.
He also reported that the demand for mineral fertilizers in the country is 310 thousand tons per year, while only about 100 thousand tons are actually used.
The academician urged farmers and producers of organic products to consider these recommendations to increase yields and ensure the country's food security.
