Kazakh Farm to Grow Special Potatoes for Lays Crisps

The farm currently employs over 20 local residents on a permanent basis. Image: Food & Wine

A farm in Kazakhstan’s Raiymbek district is set to grow a specialised variety of potatoes for use in Lays crisps, under a new collaboration with global food giant PepsiCo.

The agricultural firm, Altyn Dan, was established in 2023 with support from the local government in the Almaty region. Initially launched as a service centre, the company has quickly become a key player in the region’s farming industry.

At present, Altyn Dan cultivates potatoes across 150 hectares using drip irrigation technology to conserve water. In addition, grain crops are being grown on 1,500 hectares of the Karoy Plain.

The farm currently employs over 20 local residents on a permanent basis, with the workforce expanding significantly during busy farming periods.

A major milestone for the company has been the signing of a partnership with PepsiCo. Together, they are testing imported seed varieties developed specifically for crisp production. Quality of the crops is closely monitored by agronomists and technical experts.

The farm operates around 20 pieces of modern agricultural machinery to handle both potato and grain cultivation. Final products will be distributed across the Almaty region, while raw potatoes from the selected seed stock will be sent for processing at PepsiCo facilities.

Across Raiymbek district more broadly, this year’s farming plans include 13,200 hectares of land sown with grain and 2,500 hectares planted with potatoes.

Kursiv also reported that Kazakhstan has restricted potato exports outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for the H1 2025.