Kazakhstan Announces Record Harvest and Ambitious Export Targets Amid Favorable Conditions

Kazakhstan has achieved a record grain harvest of 26.5 million tons in 2024, a significant increase from last year’s 17.1 million tons. Of this total, the country is poised to export 12 million tons of grain and 1 million tons of oil crops, according to recent announcements from the Kazakh authorities.

Favorable Conditions Drive Record Harvest

The Ministry of Agriculture attributed this impressive harvest to favorable weather conditions, the use of high-quality seeds, and increased application of mineral fertilizers. These factors combined to deliver the largest grain output Kazakhstan has seen in recent years, setting the stage for substantial export growth.

Grain and Oil Crop Exports Expected to Surge

Kazakhstan is expected to export:

• 7-7.5 million tons of wheat
• 1.3-1.4 million tons of barley
• 300 thousand tons of corn
• 1 million tons of oil crops

A significant portion of these exports, around 4.2 million tons of grain, will be shipped to Central Asia and Afghanistan, further strengthening Kazakhstan’s role as a major supplier to the region.

Grain Exports to China Soar

Kazakhstan has made significant inroads into the Chinese market, increasing grain exports to China by 5.5 times compared to last year. Notably, wheat exports surged by 15 times, reaching 538.8 thousand tons in 2023, highlighting China’s growing demand for Kazakh agricultural products.

Government Support for Agriculture Reaches Record Levels

In addition to favorable weather, Kazakhstan's government has played a crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector. The country provided record financing of 580 billion tenge ($1.2 billion) to farmers through direct lending, forward purchases, and interest rate subsidies, ensuring timely sowing and harvesting operations. This support is set to grow, with the government planning to increase agricultural financing to 700 billion tenge in 2025.

Outlook: Kazakhstan’s Role in the Global Grain Market

With record-breaking harvests and increasing exports, Kazakhstan is solidifying its position as a key player in the global grain market. The combination of favorable natural conditions and strong government support will likely drive further growth in production and exports, particularly to neighboring Central Asian countries and China.