Visit of Partners from Northwest A&F University (China)

The three-day working visit of partners from Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), China, to Kozybayev University was intensive and productive.

The delegation was headed by Vice President Zhang Hongming. During the meeting with the university administration, the key outcomes of the nine-year cooperation between the two universities were presented. Special attention was paid to collaborative research in agronomy, animal husbandry, and water resources management.

The participants were also introduced to the results of cooperation in academic mobility, master's and doctoral training, dual-degree programs, and achievements in research activities, including joint publications in international scientific journals and participation in international projects.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for further development of the partnership. Particular interest was shown in joint research projects aimed at ensuring food security, developing sustainable agriculture, introducing modern agricultural technologies, and training highly qualified specialists for the agricultural sector.

The guests then visited the laboratories of the Agrotechnological Faculty, three of which were established jointly with Chinese partners. Members of the delegation were presented with ongoing research projects and innovative developments in crop production, animal husbandry, biotechnology, water resources management, and agricultural digitalization.

To support further scientific research, NWAFU representatives donated two modern milk analyzers to Kozybayev University for assessing more than ten quality indicators of milk. One of the devices has been installed at Mambetov & K LLP, where joint research is being conducted with the university. Rapid testing kits for pregnancy detection in cows and mastitis diagnostics in milk were also provided to partner farms in the North Kazakhstan Region. These resources will significantly enhance our research capabilities in animal husbandry.

As part of the visit, the NWAFU delegation visited Mambetov & K LLP and Kyzylzhar Sut LLP, which serve as demonstration sites for the Agrotechnological Faculty and Northwest A&F University. These enterprises provide a platform for scientific research and practical training of students.

During meetings with the management and specialists of the enterprises, current production challenges and technological needs requiring scientific support were discussed. The parties emphasized the importance of applied research focused on solving practical problems in animal husbandry and considered prospects for implementing projects related to smart farming and the digitalization of livestock production.

It should be noted that since 2017, Kozybayev University has been developing a strategic partnership with Northwest A&F University within the framework of the international Belt and Road Initiative.

One of the key areas of bilateral cooperation has been academic mobility. Over the years, approximately 100 Chinese students and master's students have studied at our university, while 30 Kozybayev University students have studied at the Chinese institution. Currently, 35 students, including two dual-degree master's students, and two doctoral students are continuing their studies there.

The universities are conducting extensive joint research in the fields of food security, agronomy, plant breeding, water resources management, and the establishment of a dairy bull breeding station in the North Kazakhstan Region.

At the same time, one of the primary objectives of Kozybayev University is the development of regional scientific clusters, particularly in the areas of the agro-industrial sector and food security.