Kazakhstan is forecast to harvest 4 million tons of oilseeds and 24 million tons of grain this year. This was announced by Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov at a government meeting.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, as of the morning of September 23, 10.2 million hectares of grain have been harvested, yielding 15.5 million tons of grain, with an average yield of 15.2 centners per hectare. Approximately 700,000 tons of oilseeds have also been harvested. A record oilseed harvest of approximately 4 million tons is expected this year.
"This year's harvest will fully meet the domestic market's food needs. Despite a reduction in wheat plantings by almost 1 million hectares, due to increased yields, the gross harvest is expected to be at last year's level: the average yield is 14.6 centners per hectare, compared to 14.3 centners per hectare the year before," the Minister of Agriculture noted.
Grain production is six times higher than domestic demand, guaranteeing full supply of processed products for the market.
The sunflower seed harvest is expected to reach 2 million tons, which will fully saturate the market with oil and fat products.
"Overall, the grain harvest forecast is estimated at 24 million tons, which will fully meet the domestic market's demand for food grain, feed, and seed, and also maintain export volumes. Furthermore, the extension of subsidies to reimburse costs for grain exports to seaports will facilitate grain exports to new markets," Aidarbek Saparov stated.
He also noted that the potato harvest is forecast at 2.7 million tons, with over 1.8 million tons having been harvested to date. Potatoes currently cost 90-120 tenge per kg in the field.
More than 700,000 tons of onions have also been harvested, selling from the field for 50-60 tenge per kg. Farmers have accumulated 300,000 tons of stockpiled onions for sale. 300 thousand tons of carrots have been harvested, farmers have about 100 thousand tons of carrots at 85-95 tenge per kg.