Kazakhstan’s long-standing reliance on wheat is becoming an unsustainable model, prompting plans to establish a so-called lentil belt in the northern regions of the country. Scientists from the A.I. Baraev Scientific and Production Center for Grain Farming say lentils are gradually moving beyond niche status and are emerging as a strategic crop within the pulse sector.
Interest in lentil cultivation is growing in Akmola, North Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions, which share several agro-climatic similarities with leading global lentil-producing areas, particularly Canada. However, researchers stress that the more continental climate of northern Kazakhstan requires scientifically adapted technologies rather than direct replication of foreign production models.
From an agro-ecological perspective, lentils are considered a key crop for sustainable farming systems. As a typical pulse crop, lentils fix atmospheric nitrogen and can accumulate up to 25–45 kg per hectare of plant-available nitrogen in the soil under favorable conditions. In addition, they improve soil structure and help reduce phytosanitary pressure in crop rotations, which is especially important for highly specialized grain-producing regions.
The economic potential of lentils is also significant. When proper agronomic practices are followed and stable export channels are available, lentil production can deliver profitability levels 1.5–2 times higher than those of soft wheat in some years. Major export markets include India, Turkey and the European Union, where demand for plant-based protein remains strong.
At the same time, experts point out the crop’s high sensitivity to production technology. Deviations from optimal sowing dates, seeding depth or weed and disease control can lead to yield losses of up to 20–30%. Therefore, scientists emphasize the importance of strong research support, continued development of breeding and seed systems, and close cooperation between science and producers to ensure the successful formation of a lentil belt in northern Kazakhstan.
