In September-October 2024, Kazakhstan’s grain sector recorded a robust performance with more than 2.2mn tons of grain handled (transferred) in the domestic and export markets. This represents a 40% increase over the same period last year, driven by a combination of strong domestic movement and expanding export volumes.

Kazakhstan’s barley exports to Iran have seen particular growth, with 150,000 tons shipped during the period. This increase comes amid a renewed push to support and promote Kazakhstani agricultural products in international markets, a priority initiative led by NC Food Corporation.

Following the completion of the latest harvesting season, Kazakhstan’s grain sector is witnessing a notable revival, with the Food Corporation enhancing its efforts to expand into new export markets beyond traditional destinations. To achieve this, the corporation is working to strengthen ties with foreign investors and explore promising new sales channels for Kazakh agricultural products.

A core element of these efforts is a recently launched program designed to consolidate export consignments. This initiative allows Kazakh farmers to export their goods without needing to sell their grain outright, with the Food Corporation covering transportation costs and ensuring that foreign exchange earnings are delivered directly to the farmers. This model aims to streamline the export process, enabling farmers to retain ownership of their produce while benefiting from international sales.

To date, export contracts totaling $19.5mn have been secured with importers from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China, marking significant progress in the Food Corporation’s mission to increase Kazakh grain exports. Building on the success of initial pilot contracts, Kazakhstan plans to further expand this approach to support more farmers and boost national grain exports.

As part of this initiative, the government has pledged extensive support to streamline export operations, ensuring that Kazakhstan’s agricultural producers have the tools and resources needed to successfully reach global markets.

Earlier, Minister of Transport Marat Karabaev highlighted the preparedness for transporting the new grain harvest. He reported that since September, grain cargo transportation by rail has increased by 24% y/y, with a total of 1.05mn tons transported so far. Of this amount, 867,000 tons were earmarked for export, while 186,000 tons were allocated for distribution within the country.