Organic farming in Asian countries: current state and role of agricultural cooperatives

The article aims to assess Kazakhstan’s potential for developing organic agriculture in Asian markets and to substantiate the role of agricultural cooperatives in organic production. The study examines the socio-economic significance of organic agriculture and compares the area of organic farmland globally and across regions. A dynamic analysis of the areas of organic agricultural lands in Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, has been carried out. A scientific study has been conducted on the development trends of agricultural cooperatives in India and China, major contributors to organic agriculture in Asia. A comparative analysis of key indicators of organic agriculture and agricultural cooperatives in Kazakhstan was conducted, including correlation analysis. The study scientifically substantiates the benefits of establishing cooperatives for organic producers. The findings reveal an uneven relationship between the development of organic agriculture and agricultural cooperative activities in Kazakhstan. However, there is a positive correlation between the number of members of agricultural cooperatives and the amount of organic fertilizers applied per hectare. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen organic production by improving the mechanisms for increasing the number of cooperative members. Under these conditions, organic agricultural cooperatives combine production, organizational and marketing resources and become an effective mechanism for the development of sustainable agriculture and local food production.

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