The sowing campaign has begun in virtually all regions of Kazakhstan. As of May 12, 4.5 million hectares have already been sown, of which approximately 2 million hectares are for grains, over 1 million hectares for oilseeds, 388,000 hectares for forage crops, and 206,300 hectares for vegetables, melons, and potatoes. This was announced by Azat Sultanov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during a government meeting.
According to him, the total sown area is 23.8 million hectares, which is 180,000 hectares higher than last year. The area under oilseed crops will exceed 4 million hectares, and that of forage crops will exceed 3.3 million hectares. The area under corn has been expanded to 265,000 hectares, and potato plantings on organized farms will increase by 10,000 hectares.
"Work on diversification continues." This year, grain cultivation will be reduced by 127,000 hectares, including a 125,000-hectare reduction in wheat cultivation to 12.1 million hectares. Also, to reduce the burden on water resources, rice cultivation has been optimized by 20,200 hectares. Cotton cultivation will reach 162,400 hectares, of which 29,800 hectares will be increased by drip irrigation, while traditional irrigation will be reduced by 12,000 hectares. The approved cropping pattern will ensure the required harvest volume and take into account the external demand environment," the Deputy Minister emphasized.