The harvest in
Kazakhstan is sufficient to fully meet the demands of the domestic market, as
stated by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at the Government’s meeting.
Currently, grain harvesting is nearing completion in all regions of the
country. According to local authorities, nearly 17 million hectares of land
have been harvested, and over 16 million tonnes of grain, including nearly 11.5
million tonnes of wheat, have been threshed. Nevertheless, this year has
presented challenges for domestic farmers, Smailov noted. The summer drought
and prolonged heavy rainfall had an unfavorable effect on the growth and
quality of grain crops. However, the government has assured that the country’s
flour and bread supply will be secured, also by using remaining stock from last
year’s harvest. Along with this, there are plans to use the reserves of the
Food Corporation National Company and regional stabilization funds. Special
attention will be paid to Kazakh agricultural producers. According to the Prime
Minister, they will receive comprehensive state support.
“In particular,
fair purchase prices have been established. Credits and loans were extended
without penalties. Subsidized diesel fuel, including for grain drying, has been
allocated. Measures are underway to fulfill subsidy payment obligations in
full. Thus, the first 30 billion tenge has already been allocated for crop
subsidies. Furthermore, a decision has been made to allocate funds for the
direct purchase of wheat,” Smailov said.
