Wheat crops in Kazakhstan will be reduced by 100 thsd ha

In 2026, Kazakhstan will continue to diversify its agricultural crops. The area under grain crops is planned to be reduced from 112.4 thousand hectares to 15.9 million hectares, primarily due to a reduction in wheat to 12.1 million hectares, down from last year’s 12.2 million hectares. This was reported by the press service of the Kazakh government.

At a meeting on preparations for spring field work, Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov announced that the total area under grain crops this year will be 23.8 million hectares, 180 thousand hectares more than in 2025.

While the area under grain crops will be reduced, the area under high-margin crops and those in demand for processing will be increased. Oilseed crops will expand by 55,200 hectares to 4.045 million hectares, barley by 93,800 hectares (2.4 million hectares), corn by 42,900 hectares (217,500 hectares), and forage crops by 37,400 hectares (3.1 million hectares).

“A significant increase in corn crops will be required to supply raw materials for Fufeng Group’s new vertically integrated industrial park for deep corn processing in the Zhambyl region. This year, during the launch of the first stage, the plant will require 500,000-700,000 tons of corn for processing, and subsequently, 1 million tons. Forage crops are expanding due to the launch of a comprehensive livestock development program this year,” noted Azat Sultanov.

In preparation for the new growing season, meetings were held with farmers in the southern regions of Kyzylorda, Turkestan, and Zhambyl. Options for reducing the planting of moisture-intensive crops in favor of other, less water-intensive crops that are in demand for new deep processing facilities were discussed. Specifically, a reduction in rice planting area by 8,500 hectares in Kyzylorda and 7,400 hectares in Turkestan is being discussed. While cotton is projected to be planted on 148,500 hectares, the area under drip irrigation will increase by 15,000 hectares, while conventionally irrigated crops will be reduced by 11,000 hectares. A working group has been established to address all these issues.

Following the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin tasked the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources and Irrigation with developing a detailed plan for the use of agricultural land, taking into account its rational use and the application of modern irrigation and watering methods.

Tags: Kazakhstan, wheat, sown area