Objective – to analyze the impact of cluster mechanisms, state support, infrastructure provision, and digitalization on the modernization of the agro-industrial complex and the development of rural areas in Kazakhstan under conditions of economic clustering. Methods – economic and statistical research to assess the current state of the agricultural sector in rural areas; the Cobb-Douglas production function to examine the impact of capital, labor resources, and budget allocations on the output of AIC products; cluster analysis to group rural administrative units by the level of technological and infrastructural innovative renewal; the ARIMA model and logistic regression to forecast the dynamics of agricultural sector transformation up to 2030 and monitor the effect of institutional factors on rural transformation. Results – rural settlements were grouped taking into account the specific operating conditions. Econometric models were built, revealing differences in the performance efficiency of agro-industrial production, determining budget financing priorities, and calculating the forecast of the sector’s main financial and economic indicators. It was established that the improvement of agro-industrial clusters, agricultural product processing, and cooperation contributes to reducing costs, increasing labor productivity, and strengthening economic ties. Conclusions – the necessity of further promoting the cluster approach, increasing the effectiveness of state incentive mechanisms, modernizing rural infrastructure, and introducing digital technologies was substantiated as key directions for growing the competitiveness of the republic’s agricultural sector, ensuring the sustainable functioning of rural settlements, and improving the quality of life of rural residents. Cluster formations are a promising trend that contributes to creating new jobs in production and deep processing with an increase in the number of employed among the rural population; they will give a new impulse to spatial organization, opening the way for integration forms in strengthening positions in the Kazakhstani and international markets.

Global trends in agricultural development are associated with digitalization, the spread of resource-saving technologies, increasing climate risks, the transformation of food systems, and higher requirements for the effectiveness of state support. For Kazakhstan, accounting for these factors is particularly significant when forming the agricultural policy of the northern regions, which dominate the country’s agricultural production. Objective – to identify priority directions for modernizing the mechanism of state regulation of the republic’s agricultural sector under the influence of global trends, taking into account the experience of northern regions. Methods – systems research, content analysis of legal acts, structural, dynamic, and regional comparisons to determine vectors for improving the state strategy of the agro-industrial complex, substantiate institutional changes and priorities of public administration, calculate the share of gross agricultural production, volumes of subsidizing, and promotion of agricultural cooperation. Results – it was shown that the growth of total food output occurred independently of the dynamics of state incentive volumes. An increase in the number of cooperatives was established alongside a simultaneous reduction in their membership and production base. Institutional constraints reducing the efficiency of state financing and the operation of cooperative associations were outlined. The necessity of moving from assessing the size of state aid to evaluating its effectiveness is noted. Conclusions – further reform of the national agricultural reform policy should be built on the comprehensive use of targeted subsidy provision, revitalization of cooperative activity, and introduction of innovative technologies. Enhancing targeting, transparency, and optimal economic assistance should be viewed as a key benchmark. Such an approach will strengthen the competitiveness of the AIC, expand territorial value chains, and lead to sustainable economic progress in the northern regions of Kazakhstan.

Objective – to develop and test an integral Digital Maturity Index (DMI) and a “readiness × expected yield” map to prioritize phased implementations. Methods – mixed design: a proxy survey of 50 farms, construction of a five-block DMI (A-connectivity, B-data/accounting, C-processes/automation, D-competencies/organization, E-integration/effects), non-parametric comparisons, and correlation analysis were applied during primary data collection on economic entities under conditions of official statistics deficiency, to reduce heterogeneous indicators into a single comparable assessment of digital competence, identify differences between agricultural business entities by scale and profile, and establish the strength of the connection of individual factors with the final index. Results – heterogeneity in the technological readiness of agricultural enterprises was recorded: infrastructure block A is above the threshold, while blocks B and C, namely data and processes, remain bottlenecks. Enterprise size is positively associated with the DMI, but management practice partially compensates for the scaling effect in small and medium-sized agribusinesses. The priority map highlights “quick wins”: cost accounting, warehouse and inventory, logistics, electronic veterinary and phytosanitary processes, field journals with meteorological data, and, for levels not lower than “medium,” vehicle fleet telemetry and sales analytics. Conclusions – the proposed methodology creates a foundation for 12–18 month management roadmaps and sectoral policy toward enabling information systems to exchange data for coordinated operation. The results can be used in developing regional programs to support AIC digitalization, especially for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises.

Digitalization of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector is a strategic direction of state socio-economic policy. The introduction of digital technologies into the agro-industrial complex contributes to increasing the efficiency of production processes and rationalizing the use of material, financial, and natural resources. Objective – to substantiate the impact of digital literacy on the performance of digital management in the republic’s agricultural sphere, to determine vectors for the development of digital competencies of economic entities. Methods – a systems approach allowing digital management to be viewed as a complex multi-level series of interconnected elements to establish the scale of AIC computerization in the country. The quantitative principle was applied in assessing the effect of digital culture on the effective regulation of the agricultural industry. The information base of the study consisted of legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan, state programs in digital transformation of agro-industrial production, statistical data, materials of international organizations, and scientific works of domestic and foreign researchers. Results – it was shown that information readiness represents not only a set of individual skills and knowledge, but also a vital institutional potential necessary for the optimal functioning of the agricultural sector administration model. Conclusions – it was revealed that the presence of formal access to digital technologies and information systems does not ensure methodically structured coordination in the absence of digital erudition among specialists and managers of the agro-industrial complex. The widespread dissemination and promotion of digital literacy will reduce management costs, strengthen competitive advantages in the agri-food market, address pressing environmental problems, stimulate labor productivity growth, adapt to climate change, improve crop yield indicators, and enable timely planning of field work.

Objective – to investigate the socio-economic prerequisites and conditions for the development of rural tourism in Kazakhstan, to substantiate a cluster approach to its formation at the regional level. Statistical and economic methods were used: analysis of dynamics of employment, rural household income, investment in fixed assets, and local budget receipts for 2019–2025 to determine the socio-institutional factors and determinants of agritourism in creating tourism clusters; comparative method – when comparing rural areas with tourism infrastructure based on peasant (farm) holdings and guest houses with territories lacking a clearly pronounced cluster organization; cluster case method – to characterize potential cooperative associations in Karaganda, Akmola, and Turkestan regions; expert analytical method – when studying infrastructure constraints and the degree of digitalization of tourism services. Results – regions where tourism in rural areas functions as a local system around peasant (farm) holdings and guest estates demonstrate higher growth rates of key indicators than rural districts with comparable resource potential without a cluster complex. The decisive role of transport accessibility, roadside services, logistics facilities, and digital promotion and booking channels in the stability of demand and manageability of tourism services is shown. A comparison of promising clusters was conducted based on the product core, additional types of tourism activity, and the state of functional and technological services. A cluster diagram of rural ecotourism is proposed, reflecting the interrelationships between the structural center, accompanying services, digital tools, and socio-institutional effects. Conclusions – to accelerate cluster organization, it is necessary to integrate rural tourism into programs for the transformation of rural administrative units and infrastructure policy, develop standardized road and roadside services, support cooperation between farmers and local communities, and strengthen the digital component through online platforms.

The article examines the implementation of remanufacturing in the agricultural sector of the northern regions of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the study is driven by the need to increase the efficiency of agricultural resource utilization, reduce environmental impact, and form long-term scenarios for the development of the agro-industrial complex. Objective – to assess the potential of applying remanufacturing technologies for processing agricultural waste and increasing the effectiveness of managing these processes. Methods – the method of comparison was practiced to identify the features of recycling in agriculture across various countries; statistical analysis was used in studying the problems of the AIC, which allowed developing recommendations for reuse in agribusiness structures based on scenario modeling. Results – the implementation of the circular system in various states, the level of digitalization, and mechanisms for handling spent materials from agricultural enterprises, as well as the main constraints in biomass processing and re-engineering, are shown. It is noted that circular models contribute to the optimal development of natural reserves, reduction of by-product volumes, and dissemination of bioenergy innovations. A conceptual framework of the circular mechanism is substantiated, reflecting the relationship between the production of food products, agricultural residues, their processing, and the re-circulation of processed substrates. Conclusions – it is necessary to expand the scale of information technology adoption in the agricultural sphere, develop the biological waste processing infrastructure, and strengthen institutional support for environmentally oriented methodologies. The socio-economic effects of a circular economy contribute to addressing the environmental risks of agricultural producers. Resource-efficient modification represents opportunities for innovation at all stages of value creation, bringing not only good end results, but achieving them with lower material, energy, and environmental costs.

Research Objective – to determine the ecological and economic prerequisites, prospects, and constraining factors of biogas production from dairy farming waste in Kazakhstan. Methods – content analysis of publications on this topic was used to systematize modern views on anaerobic digestion technologies and application directions for products derived from gaseous biofuels; the principle of comparison and synthesis – when comparing indicators of milk production, organic biological residue formation, and assessing opportunities for using them as a resource base for bioenergy gas production, summarizing the environmental and economic benefits of manure processing at dairy farms; summation of results – to substantiate vectors for the dissemination of biogas systems in the context of transition to a circular economy. Results – it was revealed that the potential volume of waste materials depends not only on cattle population, but also on the structure of the dairy herd, specifics of production process organization, and methods of manure removal and storage. It is noted that livestock numbers by categories of economic entities are of significant importance for characterizing animal housing and breeding. It is shown that households and peasant (farm) holdings predominate in the structure of the livestock sector, accounting for almost 90 % of total cattle numbers, which complicates the collection and transportation of manure substrate and reduces the efficiency of its centralized processing. It is established that due to territorial heterogeneity in dairy farming development, the potential for ecofuel generation in the republic should be considered differentially. Based on the obtained results, conclusions were drawn regarding the current state and prerequisites for constructing a circular model of agricultural production, enabling optimal resource consumption, generation of additional profit, and reduction of environmental burden.

The development of exports of grain processing products is one of the priority directions for increasing the competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan. Despite a sufficient raw material base and stable demand in foreign markets, the export mechanisms of grain processing enterprises are not fully utilized. One of the reasons is the lack of a unified methodological approach that allows for a comprehensive study of the export potential of economic entities, taking into account internal resources and conditions for carrying out export activities. Objective – to develop a methodology for assessing the foreign economic capabilities of grain industrial processing complexes based on an integral indicator. The methodological framework of the study consisted of system, comparative, and economic-statistical analysis for studying foreign trade reserves; standardization, expert assessment – when comparing and determining the significance of parameters; integral characterization – to establish the level of transboundary dynamics of international trade. Data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the international Trade Map database, and financial statements of grain processing entities were used in forming the criteria system. Results – a comprehensive diagnostic mechanism for interstate strategic reserves of the republic’s grain processing companies was formed, including metrics for production, financial, market, and human capital, as well as the competitiveness of grain products. Conclusions – testing of the methodology confirmed its practical value, contributed to identifying constraining factors, and facilitated its application in analytical developments and managerial decision-making aimed at increasing the efficiency of the grain processing industry.

Objective – to identify current trends in the functioning of the grain storage system in Kazakhstan and Russia. For theoretical understanding and generalization of data, abstract-logical, interpretation, and synthesis methods were used. When considering the constituent elements and interrelationships in the structure of grain resource preservation, system, comparative, and economic-statistical analysis, dynamic comparisons, grouping, and summation of information were applied. Results – the study of the technical condition of the grain storage infrastructure in these countries reveals a high level of physical wear and obsolescence of equipment at elevators and grain receiving enterprises. In a number of regions, there remains a shortage of capacities necessary for timely reception, primary processing, and normative conservation of incoming grain. These constraints increase quantitative losses, impair the quality parameters of grain products, and reduce the operational and economic efficiency of the facilities. The paper also systematizes the leading grain-producing regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and shows regional patterns of grain farming development in terms of the number of facilities, one-time storage capacity, and actual workload level. The obtained results make it possible to assess the territorial provision with the material and technical base, identify the most problematic areas, and determine reserves for further building up the sector’s modernization potential. Conclusions – summarizing the results made it possible to establish the degree of territorial conformity of existing technical storage capacities with the produced volumes of grain, discover zonal disparities, unused assets, and key infrastructural constraints. Prospective directions for updating the grain warehousing module were substantiated, focused on increasing its throughput, technological reliability, and adaptability to changes in the scale of grain production.

In the context of digital transformation of the agricultural sector, studying the impact of digital systems on the efficiency of agro-industrial production becomes relevant. The effectiveness of digitalization largely depends on sectoral and territorial characteristics, which necessitates research at the level of their individual types. Despite the growing interest in agricultural computerization issues, the significance of digital mechanisms’ impact on the practical value of rice farming in Kazakhstan remains insufficiently understood. Objective – to assess the effect of digital renewal processes on rice yields in the Kyzylorda Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods – general scientific, abstract-logical, correlation, and regression analysis were applied in substantiating theoretical and practical propositions and processing empirical data. Results – revealed a moderate positive relationship between costs for information and communication technologies (ICT) and the productivity of this crop. The constructed regression model is statistically significant overall (F = 4.929; p < 0.05) and accounts for 59.7% of the variation in the rice cereal productive indicator. It was established that ICT expenditures have a positive but statistically insignificant impact on raw material yield, which may be due to the time lag between the implementation of digital platforms and the manifestation of the return effect, as well as the use of aggregated statistical information. Conclusions – indicate that information innovations are a promising direction for optimizing the rice-growing industry in the region. The practical significance of the scientific developments lies in the possibility of applying the obtained results in formulating the concept of regional policy for digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex and improving the state support system for implementing digital technologies in the AIC.

Objective – to substantiate and test methodological tools for validating the economic efficiency of grain agricultural enterprises, combining coefficient monitoring of indicators with non-parametric frontier methods, allowing for the identification of unrealized production reserves. Methods – comparative analysis was applied to systematize mechanisms for comparison according to uniform criteria; Spearman’s rank correlation – when comparing index parameters with a threshold characteristic; Data Envelopment Analysis with an output-oriented BCC model was used on contemporary and intertemporal frontiers to determine production resources; scale efficiency decomposition – in establishing optimal size; the Malmquist index – to separate technological and managerial components; robustness checks were performed on a reduced sample. Results – diagnostics of official data for 12 grain-growing regions for 2021–2025 showed an average technical efficiency of 0.870 on the contemporary frontier and 0.654 on the intertemporal frontier. In 2025, average productivity was 0.809, meaning output could be increased by 23.6 % without additional funds. The scale effect was 0.824: nine out of twelve districts perform tasks outside the optimal range. The average annual value of the Malmquist index reached 1.190, with a predominance of the technological component (1.163 versus 1.023); however, it requires cautious interpretation due to weather volatility. The exception is the Kyzylorda Region, which raises the rating to 0.935 without altering the outcome. Rank correlation of the frontier assessment with yield is at 0.561, resource return – 0.381, cost price – 0.336, and profitability – 0.331. Conclusions – coefficient indicators reproduce approximately 11–31 % of the joint rank variation of boundary measurements, proving their complementary rather than alternative application.

Objective of the study is to analyze the economic indicators of oilseed production, including rapeseed, evaluate their trends, and identify factors affecting changes in yield, cost price, and profitability. Methods – economic-statistical, index, and dynamic analysis to determine sown areas and gross harvest of oilseeds for 2015–2025, quantitative identification of patterns in key parameter changes. Results – indicate the intensification of rapeseed cultivation and its increasing importance in agriculture. Conclusions – economic indicators of the oilseed sector in Kazakhstan as a whole are characterized by positive dynamics. Particularly steady growth was noted in rapeseed cultivation, indicating an increase in its production and economic potential. To increase the efficiency of oilseed plant cultivation, it is necessary to introduce modern agrotechnologies, use high-yielding varieties, and improve state support measures. The results provided a basis for developing recommendations to improve the effectiveness of oilseed crop agricultural production and ensure sustainable development of the sector under changing market conditions. Oil crops remain the foundation of financial stability for many agricultural enterprises. They ensure the country’s food security in the vegetable oil segment and support livestock farming with a feed base. Cultivation and processing technologies are constantly being improved, allowing the republic to remain one of the key players in the global food market. Implementation of targeted measures will contribute to increasing the production of oilseeds, creating new jobs, stabilizing the social situation in rural regions, and strengthening the positions of domestic goods in the international foreign economic arena.

The meat industry occupies an important place in the agricultural sector of the West Kazakhstan Region. Objective of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of resource utilization in the West Kazakhstan region and identify reserves for its enhancement. Methods are based on official statistical data on livestock population, number of workers, amount of machinery, and live weight meat production volumes across twelve district administrative units for 2025. An economic-statistical approach was applied in studying the dynamics of meat food production for 2020–2025 to identify the main industry development trends; comparative analysis – when comparing material and technical equipment and economic results of this segment to establish inter-district differences. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was carried out when considering the relative technical performance of rural districts, constructing its frontier, and identifying benchmark territories. Modeling was performed in Excel using the “Solver” tool to calculate productivity coefficients and potential reserve reductions while maintaining output volume. Results – according to analytical calculations, out of twelve districts, Akzhaik, Burlin, and Baiterek were recognized as successfully operating. Using the Zhangala District as an example, benchmark combinations of resource sources were highlighted, and opportunities to increase the intensity of meat and meat products output were outlined. Conclusions drawn show that the growth in meat product output in the region is accompanied by persistent disparities in the level of rational utilization of resource potential. Development of the subcomplex involves improving organizational processes, introducing resource-saving technologies, and adapting practices of benchmark zones. The obtained results create a foundation for outlining priorities for the optimal utilization of production capabilities.

Growing global demand for eco-friendly products increases requirements for their traceability and certification, as well as the need to enhance the competitiveness of domestic producers under the globalization of agri-food markets. Objective – to develop a strategy for promoting the brand of Kazakhstani organic fish products, taking into account consumer preferences, the competitive environment, branding tools, and modern marketing communications aimed at ensuring brand awareness of the national trademark, consolidating consumer trust, and expanding the export potential of domestic aquaculture products. Methods – statistical and comparative methods to identify aquaculture development trends, consumer demand levels, and the competitive landscape in domestic and international trade. Surveys and questionnaires of the target audience aimed at determining factors influencing the choice of eco-oriented fish products, including eco-friendliness, price, origin, and brand image. SWOT analysis was used to evaluate the market attractiveness of natural fish products, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats hindering the trademark’s expansion into international retail networks. Elements of PEST analysis were applied to examine the impact of political, economic, social, and technological environments on shaping the brand identity of eco-friendly fish products. Results – the recommended methodological paradigm initiates scientifically grounded approaches to developing a brand management concept for Kazakhstani certified fish products in domestic and foreign marketplaces. Thus, these developments and results can be utilized when creating a set of measures to strengthen the status of the domestic aquaculture portfolio. Conclusions – implementation of the conceptual model contributes to increasing the industry’s export resources, consolidating the positions of Kazakhstani producers in the global arena, and ensuring the intensification of the eco-friendly fish products sector.

Objective – to consider the possibilities of implementing a three-dimensional cadastre in the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking into account international experience, existing technological solutions, and regulatory aspects. To achieve this goal, the theoretical foundations of the 3D cadastre, methods of economically developed states, and the current state of the republic’s cadastral mechanism were reviewed, and recommendations for implementing a three-dimensional cadastral model across all land categories were presented, with a priority role assigned to agricultural land. Methods – monographic method in studying world practice of applying the 3D cadastral approach; analytical – to compare various cadastral management mechanisms, identify shortcomings and advantages; cartographic – when identifying patterns and interrelationships of phenomena in the process of monitoring, processing, and modeling geospatial data from various maps; statistical – to collect and systematize land-cadastral information. Results – during the research, foreign examples of using a three-dimensional structure of cadastral regulation were summarized, key factors for transitioning to a geometric cadastre were determined, and prospects for using a 3D cadastral registration scheme in Kazakhstan were shown; a SWOT analysis was conducted. Special attention is paid to the phased integration of spatial data, digital technologies, and the regulatory framework to ensure the effective functioning of the 3D cadastral format. It was established that the existing information system, the Unified State Cadastre of Real Estate, with its resources and developed infrastructure network, will serve as the foundation for the further transition to a 3D cadastre. Conclusions – the creation of a 3D cadastre must be carried out in stages, without destroying the existing cadastral administration framework, alongside improving current legislation and other areas related to the cadastre. Conclusions – as a result of the scientific inquiry, the author’s interpretation of building a 3D spatial land accounting model in the Republic of Kazakhstan is presented, and conclusions are substantiated.

The efficiency of irrigation water use is one of the key tasks for the development of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector amid climate instability, shrinking water resources, and the need for digital modernization of water management infrastructure. Objective – to develop a methodological approach for a comprehensive assessment of adaptive water distribution management, facilitating the substantiation of results from introducing digital technologies into irrigation system operations. Methods – system analysis of scientific publications and regulatory documents, economic-mathematical modeling, statistical research, scenario modeling of water supply regimes, and calculation of integral evaluation indicators. To interpret the final data, a comparison was made between the traditional management scheme and an adaptive model that considers hydrological forecasts, actual crop water requirements, and the technical condition of the irrigation network. Results show that adaptive regulation contributes to reducing non-productive water losses, lowering operational costs, increasing the water availability ratio, and promoting rational use of hydroresources. The created integral algorithm takes into account the impact of hydrological variability on the economic metrics of irrigation facility operations and provides scientific substantiation for digital transformation results. Conclusions confirm that adopting digital situational management tools stabilizes the activities of water management institutions, promotes the expedient use of water reserves, and forms a basis for managerial decision-making in reforming the republic’s irrigation systems. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of implementing the proposed methodology in investment planning, water resource allocation, and digital modernization programs for the country’s water sector. The recommended organizational scheme provides an adaptive recalculation of water supply volumes, taking into account delivery efficiency, economic costs, and water scarcity risks.

Objective – to establish how rural infrastructure disparities affect the development of the agro-industrial complex and the quality of life of Kazakhstan’s population. Methods – comparative analysis of modern literature (2020–2025) on rural infrastructure, agricultural sector transformation, and rural well-being, forming the basis for systematizing key research directions. For the practical part, the index method, min-max normalization, matrix positioning of territories, and a heat map of standardized indicators were used. The integral index of structural imbalance was constructed based on data regarding water supply, the road network, and internet access. The physical volume index of AIC products and the Regional Well-Being Index were applied as outcome criteria. Results – literature increasingly considers infrastructure as a factor of territorial inequality; however, for the republic, the link between the material and technical base in rural areas, the strengthening of the agricultural sector, and necessary rural living standards remains insufficiently studied. Empirical analysis revealed a stable inverse relationship between the level of deficit in social and engineering services and the dynamics of agro-industrial production. It was established that rural settlements with high infrastructural imbalance more frequently display weaker rural transformation indicators. Regarding rural residents’ well-being, a more complex situation is observed: in several districts, the expected negative correlation is present, but it is not universal. Conclusions – the hypothesis regarding the negative impact of infrastructure inequality on increasing agro-industrial complex output was confirmed. The theory regarding the impact of infrastructural asymmetry on social provision was partially substantiated. The obtained results show that the infrastructural state of rural settlements acts as an important factor in rural territory sustainability and should be considered a significant tool in agricultural and regional policy.

In the context of globalization and digital transformation, the importance of the socioeconomic contribution of graduates is increasing. Their competitiveness, employment, income, and professional mobility largely depend on the macro- and microenvironmental conditions. The issue becomes particularly relevant for agricultural education due to the growing mismatch between labor market demands and the competencies of degree holders. Objective – to substantiate the choice and methodological approach to assessing the impact of factors on the social and economic performance of a graduate who has completed the educational process at an agricultural university, using the example of North Kazakhstan University, and to develop recommendations aimed at enhancing it. Methods of logical interpretation were used to clarify the concepts of “socioinstitutional effectiveness of a graduate” and “professional well-being of a young professional”; a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect empirical data on the level of basic and additional knowledge, business, and financial stability; and correlation analysis was applied to determine the direction of the relationship between the level of graduates’ acquired skills and their sociolabor competitiveness indicators. Results – the necessity of monitoring the impact of various prerequisites on the socio-economic value of an agricultural university graduate was substantiated, the percentage increase in the efficiency of graduate training returns with the growth of managerial qualities along with an increase in practical experience was shown, and recommendations for optimizing the educational system were proposed. Conclusions – evidence-based measures to improve the training of agricultural personnel as a priority direction of the country’s agricultural policy were considered. An agricultural university graduate must not only generate new ideas, but also be able to implement them. The agricultural academic base can serve as a model for successful interaction among scientists, universities, and AIC producers.

Objective – to substantiate the expediency of budgeting business processes as a tool for increasing the efficiency of enterprises in the agro-industrial complex of the republic and to propose a process-oriented model for account-analytical formation and planning of the budget. Methods – a systems approach to revealing the relationship between business mechanisms, budget funds, and managing their dynamics when assessing the role of the agricultural sector in the economy; structural analysis to define financial regulation objects, compare planned indicators with actual results, and identify imbalances when determining control procedures; modeling to build a process regulation system in agribusiness. Results – the necessity of transitioning from general financial coordination to the administration of individual business cycles is demonstrated: supply, production, storage, processing, sales, financing, administrative support, and investment development. A logical chain “business process – budget – actual data – variance – monitoring – management decision” has been formed. It is proposed to consider each stage as an independent object of forecasting, accounting, control, and performance, linking target metrics with actual data and responsibility of executors. The practical significance of this principle lies in the ability to localize sources of adverse variances, timely adjust limits and resource allocation, and increase the validity of administrative decisions under conditions of price volatility and the dependence of agricultural production on natural and climatic factors. Conclusions – structurally organized financial flows enhance cost transparency, control over the use of resources, ensure comparability of planned and actual parameters, and create an information base for prompt response to inconsistencies and discrepancies. Their implementation allows integrating budgeting, management accounting, and internal control into a single mechanism aimed at increasing the sustainability of Kazakhstan’s agricultural formations, improving the quality of internal reporting, distributing responsibilities, and taking action on specific business operations.

Objective – to study the dynamics and structure of budget financing for research and development (R&D) work in the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2021–2025, and to evaluate its impact on innovative activity and the commercialization of scientific developments, including the identification of institutional factors restricting the effective use of budget funds. Methods – the study is based on the application of systemic, comparative, and structural analysis to summarize and interpret statistical information. Diagnostics of optimal volumes of budget investments in R&D were carried out taking into account economic, technological, and social indicators. The empirical base consisted of scientific publications, periodical literature materials, regulatory legal acts, state programs for the development of science and the AIC, as well as reporting data from government agencies. Results – existing mechanisms of state support for research activities of a scientific profile in the agricultural sector were examined, alongside structural elements, composition, and changes in budget expenditure on R&D. Theoretical approaches to monitoring the performance of budget allocations and the commercial implementation of results in the sphere of knowledge and education were substantiated. Based on the implementation of state programs, specific features of financial resource distribution and their impact on the innovative development of agro-industrial production were determined. It is noted that a weak link between financing and the final effect reduces the return on implemented projects and limits possibilities for their subsequent adoption. Conclusions – it was established that the practical value of state investment in R&D largely depends on the institutional environment and the level of interaction between scientific organizations and the production sector. The necessity of improving technology transfer mechanisms, enhancing the practical orientation of academic research, and strengthening partnerships between research institutions and agribusiness was shown.

Objective of the scientific work is to evaluate the implementation of Kazakhstan’s state policy in the field of sustainable management of water potential with an emphasis on the use of water-saving technologies, modernization of water infrastructure, and digital transformation; and to identify problems in increasing water security and irrigation efficiency. Methods – comparative, analytical, statistical analysis, and a systems approach were used to study reports, legislative documents, and national programs for water fund regulation. Results – it was shown that in 2025, rational water use covered 543.5 thousand hectares of irrigated land, which ensured annual water savings of 874 million m³. Significant progress was achieved in the reconstruction of irrigation canals, the implementation of the National Water Resources Information System, and the improvement of flood forecasting using digital platforms. The paper highlights the achievements of institutional reforms and international cooperation supporting comprehensive coordination and control over water reserves. However, the implementation of several infrastructure projects was delayed due to financial, technical, and organizational constraints, while a high level of water deficit persists in a number of river basins. Conclusions – the obtained data confirm that reforming the water complex, widespread adoption of water-saving practices, and digitalization of water body management are necessary to maintain the republic’s water stability and increase the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change. Further efforts should be directed toward accelerating the renewal of water communications, expanding digital monitoring, and promoting effective administration in this area to ensure optimal allocation of domestic water resources.

Today, the problem of gender asymmetry in pay within the labor market of Kazakhstan’s rural areas remains relevant. Objective – to analyze the current state of gender wage inequality in rural areas, diagnose risks, identify weaknesses, and develop measures to reduce the gender imbalance in this area. Methods – collection and comparative analysis of data based on the study of domestic and international practices regarding gender disparity. Results – it was established that the working-age population of the country’s rural areas is characterized by an outflow of residents to cities, low absolute incomes, a shortage of qualified personnel, a high share of informal employment, and a female labor activity index in agriculture equal to 9.09 %, which is far below the standard. The maximum gender gap in 2025 was identified in the Mangystau region, with the difference compared to the Zhetysu region reaching 40 percentage points. Indicators of gender asymmetry in monetary payments are significantly influenced by the structure of the gross regional product. Conclusions – the author proposes a series of mechanisms aimed at reducing gender inequality in the republic: legislative initiatives tightening state control and accountability for the infringement of women’s rights; improvement of state statistical accounting information systems; countering gender stereotypes through training and information campaigns; organization of labor mobility centers and implementation of regional targeted programs to increase female representation in leadership positions and agribusiness. Systemic changes and access to high-paying positions are required.