Virgin Lands Development in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The consequences of the virgin lands development are still felt in the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition to the environmental burden caused by the expansionary cultivation in the north of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic (KazSSR), modern Kazakhstan has perceived the social and demographic effects of the all-Union Virgin Land program since the early 1990s. This chapter examines the motives of the Soviet leadership, initiators and opponents of the Virgin Land program (1953-1958), and critically analyzes the plans and implementation based on the experience gained. The impact on economic and social conditions is subjected to historical analysis. Further environmental and demographic results of the program, factors influencing the current soils and agricultural conditions in the Republic of Kazakhstan are reviewed and demonstrated. This allows giving an objective, scientifically based assessment of the Virgin Land program, taking into account multi-vector economic and functional influences.