The reason for the decrease in production is said to be the reduction of wheat acreage as part of crop deversification. At the same time, the decrease in wheat plantings last season was partially offset by an increase in yields, which was facilitated by favorable weather conditions. ElDala writes about this with reference to a new report of the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to USDA estimates, Kazakhstan’s wheat exports will be about 10 million tons, which corresponds to the record last season. This forecast is based on information about grain stocks in the country, the extension of the transport subsidy program and high exports since the beginning of the season.
The review notes that in September to December Kazakhstan exported 5.3 million tons of wheat, which is almost 40% higher than last year’s figure. The main buyers traditionally remain Central Asian countries, but Kazakh exporters are diversifying exports, also supplying distant markets in Europe and North Africa.
Wheat consumption within the country in the current season, according to forecast, will also grow and will amount to about 8.7 million tons. The growth, which is continuing for the fourth year, is due to the processing of low-quality wheat into feed flour, which is exported to China. Demand for feed is also growing in Kazakhstan.
