Kazakhstan Aims to Harvest 20 Million Tons of Grain Crops This Fall

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan is set to harvest at least 20 million tons of grain crops this fall, according to Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov. Speaking at an enlarged meeting led by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov with representatives from domestic agrarian companies, the minister provided an update on the country’s agricultural progress, NHC reports.

This year’s cropping area spans 23.3 million hectares, with 11.3 million hectares dedicated to grain and leguminous plants. Of that, 67.9% of the area has already been harvested, producing 16.7 million tons of grain. Minister Saparov also noted an increase in the share of elite seeds used, rising from 7.1% to 9%, a step aimed at enhancing the quality of crops.

Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of preserving the new crop and improving the quality of bread produced. So far, grain receiving stations across the country have accepted 2.5 million tons of grain, including 1.8 million tons of wheat. The government has facilitated the smooth transport and storage of this yield to ensure minimal loss and quality control.

The Food Contract Corporation and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company, have transported 1.2 million tons of crops during August and September, with 1 million tons earmarked for export. Significant quantities of Kazakh grain have been exported to traditional markets such as Uzbekistan, China, and, notably, Iran, which has resumed purchasing Kazakh grain after a hiatus. The remaining portion is being used for domestic consumption.

To ensure uninterrupted harvesting, local farmers have been supplied with the necessary volumes of concessionary fuel and fertilizers. A total of 226,200 tons of discounted diesel fuel have already been distributed to regions across the country.

Prime Minister Bektenov tasked the agricultural sector with completing the harvest as quickly as possible to preserve the crop’s quality and ensure the efficient sale of the harvested products. The successful completion of this year’s harvest is seen as crucial for both Kazakhstan’s domestic food supply and its agricultural export market.