Head of a peasant farm in the Kostanay region Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva has received an international award from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Her achievements in agricultural development have been recognised among over 600 female nominees from countries around the world, El.kz reports citing the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture.
The Kazakh farmer has been named one of the laureates of the global initiative “100 FAO Women: Women’s Contributions to Transforming Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.” Women from 131 countries were nominated for the award.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu personally congratulated Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva and invited her to Rome to receive the award. The ceremony is scheduled to take place as part of the World Food Forum, being held from October 12 to 16 , 2026.
In his message, the head of the international organisation highlighted the Kazakh farmer’s contribution to rural development and support for local communities.
“Through your work, you have demonstrated how women transform agrifood systems, improve livelihoods in rural areas, protect natural resources, empower local communities and create opportunities for future generations,” Qu Dongyu stated in his invitation.
From State Farm Accountant to Head of a Large Agricultural Enterprise
Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva holds qualifications in economics and law. She began her professional career as an accountant at a state farm before deciding to establish her own peasant farm in 2007.
Today, she manages more than 3,000 hectares of land. The farm specialises in producing animal feed for agricultural enterprises in the Kostanay Region, raising and fattening cattle, and beef production.
The entrepreneur places particular emphasis on developing the farm’s feed base. In her view, feed quality directly affects livestock productivity and the capacity to supply the population with domestically produced meat.
Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva advocates the establishment of a specialised Feed Corporation and the wider adoption of science-based feed harvesting methods. In her view, these measures would help strengthen Kazakhstan’s livestock sector.
“My guiding principle in life is to strive for positive results in everything I do. After all, difficulties and challenges are what strong people are given to overcome,” says Gulnara Sagimbayevna.
New Dairy Farm with a Capacity of 400 Head of Cattle
The entrepreneur continues to expand her operations. In 2025, she submitted an application for concessional financing to construct a dairy farm.
The project received government support under a programme designed to replicate the experience of the North Kazakhstan Region. Construction began in April 2026.
The new farm is designed to accommodate 400 head of cattle. The delivery of in-calf heifers is planned for November. The project will enable the farm to develop dairy production alongside its existing business activities.
The Kazakh Farmer’s Story Gains International Recognition
The international award marks a further recognition of Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva’s professional achievements. In 2021, she was also among the participants in the “100 Success Stories of Rural Women in Kazakhstan” project.
Her experience has attracted recognition for promoting rural entrepreneurship, introducing new approaches to livestock farming and contributing to the strengthening of the country’s food security.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Gulnara Kuanyshbayeva’s achievements demonstrate the contribution of Kazakh women to the development of the country’s agro-industrial sector. The FAO international award also draws attention to the potential of women’s entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan’s rural regions.
