While some companies have had trouble keeping their businesses running in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022, Kusto Agro, which is part of the Yerkin Tatishev-led Kusto Group, continues to operate in Ukraine.
During the war, Kusto Group’s agricultural arm has been working to protect food security and its staff there.
“The last two years were, of course, extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine. Our priority has been to keep people safe, but against the backdrop of the war, we have continued to use our innovative methods to enhance food security and ensure the crops we sow have the maximum possible yield,” Yerkin Tatishev explained.
In line with the firm’s food security strategy, Kusto Agro decided to reduce corn acreage and sow buckwheat.
“We have overcome challenges”
Despite problems with fuel, logistics and material for sowing because of the war in Ukraine, the Yerkin Tatishev-led company succeeded in planting its spring 2022 crops on time.
Kusto Agro also experienced difficulties harvesting the autumn 2022 crops because of the weather but ended up completing the task in four months.
“The season has certainly been challenging, but together, we have overcome many challenges and found new opportunities for growth. We will hold the agricultural frontline and keep working for the future of Ukraine,” Kusto Group’s agricultural division wrote at the end 2022.
In spite of hardships doing business in times of war, Kusto Agro managed to ship the first grain trucks containing its autumn 2023 harvest this September.
“For the second year in a row in war conditions, for the second year in a row with extremely difficult logistics,” Kusto Group said.
The company continues to harvest sunflowers and soybeans and has also started sowing winter wheat.
How Yerkin Tatishev kept hospitals in Ukraine going
Since the war broke out, Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group have also donated humanitarian aid worth $10 million and 41 generators to Ukrainian hospitals to keep them going in blackout conditions.
Kusto Group’s aid to Ukraine is not limited to the war, though.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kusto Group, under the leadership of Yerkin Tatishev, demonstrated its commitment to global humanitarian efforts by extending essential aid to Ukraine.
Recognizing the urgent need for medical supplies and equipment in the battle against the coronavirus, the Kusto Help Foundation, a philanthropic initiative of Kusto Group, made a substantial donation to support COVID-19 patients in Ukraine.
This significant contribution included essential medical equipment, which was critically needed to enhance the healthcare system’s capacity to treat patients effectively during the pandemic.
The donated items also included defibrillators, ventilators, medicine, oxygen concentrators and other necessary medical supplies, showcasing Kusto Group’s responsiveness and responsibility towards global health crises.
Hospital on Kusto Group aid: “This is the equipment with which we save lives”
The Kalynivka Hospital in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region was among the medical facilities that received Kusto Group’s aid.
Kusto Agro sent its first deputy CEO, Alisher Tyazhyn, to donate medical pulse oximeters, two high-flow nasal oxygen therapy systems and a cardiograph worth more than $14,000 to the hospital.
“We contacted hospitals that serve our employees and shareholders in the regions of our presence, and 10 hospitals in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr and Khmelnytsky regions received targeted assistance,” he said.
“We cooperated with each hospital individually according to their needs. We purchased personal protective equipment, drugs and modern high-quality medical equipment,” Alisher Tyazhyn added.
When receiving the items, Chief physician of the Kalynivka Hospital, Vladislav Golovaschenko, ensured that the donations from Yerkin Tatishev’s firm could save lives.
“Patients with COVID-19 need large amounts and high concentrations of oxygen for treatment. Such devices were given to us by the charitable foundation Kusto Help, and they allow us to give a patient up to 60 liters of oxygen per minute,” Vladislav Golovaschenko stated and added:
“This is the equipment with which we save the lives of patients with viral pneumonia, including coronavirus. This is extremely helpful for doctors and patients.”
Kusto Group’s multifaceted portfolio
Kusto Group, founded by Yerkin Tatishev, is a dynamic and diverse multinational corporation with a strong presence in various sectors, including agriculture, real estate, construction and energy.
Under Yerkin Tatishev’s visionary leadership, the company has expanded its reach beyond its Kazakhstan roots to make a significant impact on the global stage. Kusto Group is particularly known for its innovative approach in agriculture, where it leverages advanced technologies to boost productivity and sustainability.
In the real estate sector, they are acclaimed for developing landmark projects that blend modern living with environmental awareness. The construction arm of the firm is recognized for its commitment to quality and efficiency, building structures that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
In the energy sector, Kusto Group has been a pioneer in adopting eco-friendly practices, contributing to the transition towards renewable energy sources.