Majilis deputies are asking to give farmers a deferment on loans until they pay off their debts on subsidies. The deputies also propose setting clear deadlines for paying subsidies. This was stated by Yulia Kuchinskaya, a deputy of the AMANAT party faction, in a request addressed to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, ElDala.kz reports.
Yulia Kuchinskaya noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has changed the rules for subsidizing the agro-industrial complex 14 times over the past six years. At the same time, the obligations assumed by the state are not being fully implemented, there are debts on subsidies to farmers. Due to such instability, agricultural producers cannot make clear development plans, and many, having not received the promised assistance, are on the verge of bankruptcy.
“Despite the increase in the volume of preferential lending, the state does not fully fulfill its obligations. Subsidies for the purchase of equipment and leasing, as well as for reducing interest rates on loans, have not been paid to farmers in full. Instead of the promised 6% per annum, they are forced to pay up to 24%. This is an unbearable burden for most agricultural formations," the deputy said.
According to her, today the total debt of the state for various subsidies exceeds 250 billion tenge.
Deputies have repeatedly made appeals, proposing specific solutions on this issue. But the government not only did not support them, but also did not provide an alternative.
"This led to the fact that farmers found themselves on the verge of bankruptcy. Many are unable to fulfill their obligations. At the same time, the government proudly reports on the growth of indicators for the renewal of agricultural machinery, lending, etc.," said Yulia Kuchinskaya.
In this regard, on behalf of the Majilis deputies, she proposed working with financial institutions and second-tier banks to defer payments of the principal debt of farmers until the debt on subsidies is fully repaid. At the same time, it is proposed to provide for clear deadlines for the fulfillment of state obligations in the subsidy rules.