Kazakhstan completes sowing campaign and expands oilseed acreage

Kazakhstan has completed its 2026 sowing campaign, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov announced during Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s working visit to the North Kazakhstan Region. The results of the spring fieldwork campaign and the development of the country’s agricultural sector were discussed at a government meeting.

According to Saparov, crops were planted on 23.8 million hectares this year, up by 180,000 hectares compared to the previous season. The government continues to diversify the cropping structure by expanding acreage under high-margin and socially important crops.

Grain and pulse crops accounted for 15.8 million hectares, while forage crops covered 3.3 million hectares. At the same time, oilseed acreage reached 4.3 million hectares, one of the highest levels in the country’s history, reflecting a growing focus on more profitable crop production. Sunflower acreage alone has expanded by 600,000 hectares over the past three years.

To support spring fieldwork, the government supplied farmers with 402,000 tonnes of subsidized diesel fuel. In addition, seed demand was fully met with 2.3 million tonnes available, while the application of 2.3 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers is planned for the season. Locust control measures are also underway, with around 665,000 hectares already treated out of the planned 2.2 million hectares.

According to Kazhydromet, the start of the growing season has generally been favorable. However, risks of moisture shortages remain in some regions between July and September due to above-average temperatures and uneven rainfall distribution.

Prime Minister Bektenov stressed the importance of maintaining strict oversight of crop water supply, timely fertilizer application, and plant protection measures. He noted that these efforts are essential for strengthening food security and further developing Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector into a high-tech export-oriented industry.

Tags: Kazakhstan