Kazakhstan expects record oilseed crop of over 5 mln tons

Kazakhstan expects a record oilseed crop of more than 5 mln tons in 2026. The outlook is supported by expanded planted area and generally favorable crop conditions despite drought in some regions.

Oilseed area increased significantly this year to around 5.2 mln ha. The expansion is part of Kazakhstan’s strategy to shift some acreage from traditional grains toward higher-margin crops.

Sunflower remains the main growth driver. Its planted area reached a record 2.2 mln ha, up 25% year on year and more than double the level recorded in 2021.

Harvesting is already under way. As of September 18, farmers had harvested around 1.5 mln ha of oilseeds and collected 1.4 mln tons, with an average yield of 0.97 t/ha.

The record crop could further support domestic crushing and vegetable oil exports. In the first half of 2026, Kazakhstan increased vegetable oil exports by 46.2%, while sunflower oil shipments rose 41.2% to 481 thsd tons.

Tags: Kazakhstan, oilseeds, sunseed