Seminar: “The Role of Biotechnology in Ending Hunger”

On 16 February 2026, the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a scientific seminar entitled “The Role of Biotechnology in Ending Hunger”, aimed at promoting SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

The purpose of the event was to define the role of biotechnology in eliminating hunger and to discuss practice-oriented solutions that can improve access to nutritious food, increase agricultural resilience, and strengthen food security.

During the seminar, key biotechnology directions that are already being applied to reduce hunger worldwide were highlighted:

·     Biofortification of crops – improving the nutritional value of food by increasing the content of vitamins and micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, provitamin A) in cereals and vegetables.

·     Development of stress-resilient crop varieties (drought, salinity, plant diseases) using molecular markers, genomic approaches, and biotechnology-assisted breeding—especially important under climate change and declining yields.

·     Agricultural bioproducts – biofertilizers and biopesticides based on beneficial microorganisms that enhance productivity and reduce crop losses, decreasing reliance on chemical inputs.

·     Fermentation technologies and microbiology – producing nutritious foods and ingredients using microorganisms, as well as improving storage and food safety, which directly contributes to reducing food losses.

Special attention was given to the contribution of Kazakhstani scientists to biotechnology for food security, including research in agricultural biotechnology, microbial solutions to improve yields, and developments aimed at increasing crop tolerance to adverse environmental factors and improving the quality of agricultural products.

The seminar emphasized that biotechnology is not only a scientific field, but also a practical tool for achieving SDG 2, integrating education, research, and applied solutions for a sustainable future and improved quality of life.

Organizers: Cand. of bio.Sci. Meldebekova A.A., PhD Mamytova N.S., Cand. of bio.Sci. Mukhatayeva K.A.