Kazakhstan Emerges as Global Leader in Wheat Harvesting

Astana, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan has projected a favorable wheat yield for 2024, estimating a gross harvest of 17 million tons. This optimistic outlook is based on the current status of crops, which indicates a promising outcome for the season.

Despite the encouraging forecast, the ministry emphasized that the success of the harvest is contingent on favorable weather conditions throughout the remaining growing season and the harvesting process. The anticipated volume of 17 million tons is expected to meet domestic market demands and allow for export opportunities.

For context, Kazakhstan’s gross wheat harvest in 2022 amounted to 16.4 million tons, while 2023 saw a decrease to 12.1 million tons. On a global scale, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reported a global wheat harvest of 808 million tons in 2022. During that year, Kazakhstan ranked 14th in the world for wheat production, with a yield of 13.8 million tons. The leading wheat producers were China (138 million tons), India (108 million tons), and Russia (104 million tons).

Additionally, between January and June 2024, Kazakhstan’s gross agricultural output increased by 3.4%, reaching 1.6 trillion tenge. Livestock production accounted for 1.5 trillion tenge, while crop production contributed 83 billion tenge to this total.

The Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, stated that the government has proactively addressed financial and logistical support for the sowing campaign, paving the way for a successful harvest in 2024.

This news comes as a beacon of hope for Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, promising not only to fulfill domestic needs but also to bolster the nation’s export capabilities.