Spring fieldwork set to commence across Kazakhstan in second decade of May

Mass spring fieldwork will commence in the second decade of May in Kazakhstan, with significant progress already observed in the South Kazakhstan region, where over 350,000 hectares have been sown. The North Kazakhstan region is scheduled to begin fieldwork around May 20. Diversification of the structure of sown areas is carried out this year as instructed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Ministry of Agriculture has reported a reduction in monoculture areas, with a shift towards cultivating highly profitable crops, including fodder ones.

“All necessary subsidized fuel and lubricants, as well as machinery, will be prepared for mass sowing. Northern regions, including the Kostanai, Akmola, and North Kazakhstan regions, which make a significant contribution to agriculture through grain production, start sowing in the second decade of May, around May 20. Due to the flood period, planting dates may be adjusted in certain areas, particularly for grain crops. We traditionally finish sowing activities by the end of May. As for other crops, the work is completed by the first decade of June. According to local authorities, a forecast structure of sown areas has been formed, indicating that this year, 23.8 million hectares will be sown. This is 200,000 hectares less than last year, with reductions in the area of grain crops, including wheat and water-intensive crops such as rice and cotton. Conversely, there is an increase in high-profit crops such as oilseeds and fodder crops,” said Aikhan Sultan, spokesperson for the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture.

According to specialists from the relevant department, the soil contains a sufficient amount of moisture. Agrotechnical measures will be carried out in the country to maintain this condition.

“The vegetation period greatly depends on weather conditions, particularly precipitation in summer. Overall, we do not anticipate a recurrence of last year’s situation. We approach this season with optimism, as all necessary activities by farmers, such as ploughing and moisture retention, were completed during the winter and autumn months. All these measures are currently in full swing,” Sultan added.