Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector has seen growth this year, with the volume of gross agricultural output increasing by 13.4% over the first 11 months, surpassing the annual plan of 11.6%. The total value of agricultural production reached KZT 7.8 trillion ($14.9bn), according to Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov at a government meeting.
This growth was driven by a 19.9% increase in crop production and a 3.2% rise in livestock production. In crop production, 26.7mn tons of grain were harvested, including 19.8mn tons of wheat and 563,000 tons of rice. Additionally, 2.9mn tons of potatoes, 3.9mn tons of vegetables, 3.2mn tons of oilseeds, and 300,000 tons of cotton were produced.
In livestock farming, there was notable growth in meat production (up 4%), cow's milk (up 4.4%), and chicken eggs (up 1.2%). The total increase in food production for the year reached 2.1%, amounting to nearly KZT 3 trillion ($5.7bn).
The production of key import-dependent products also saw an uptick. Cheese and cottage cheese production increased by 8.7%, sausages by 4.1%, butter by 2.9%, and vegetable oil by 12%. These results are seen as a positive step in reducing the country’s reliance on imports.
Minister Sultanov outlined that the growth in agriculture was fueled by timely government measures, including financial and logistical support for fieldwork and favorable weather conditions. For the first time, the government increased preferential lending for spring fieldwork to a record KZT 580bn ($1.1bn) at a net 5% interest rate. This move, alongside enhanced mineral fertilizer application and agricultural machinery renewal, played a critical role in boosting productivity.
The government's commitment to the sector's continued growth includes plans to further increase financing for spring and harvesting work to KZT 700bn ($1.3bn) in 2025, as well as expanding preferential leasing of agricultural machinery to 200 billion tenge. The introduction of 1.9mn tons of mineral fertilizers and an increase in the share of elite seeds to 10.5% are also key measures for sustaining the industry’s momentum.
A record harvest of sugar beets, nearing completion, is expected to contribute to further increases in agricultural output.
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