Kazakhstan, the Largest Grain Producer in Central Asia, Exports 7.5 Million Tons of New Harvest
With a record harvest and soaring exports, Kazakhstan solidifies its role in regional grain supply.
In a remarkable development for the agricultural sector, Kazakhstan has exported 7.5 million tons of grain from the new harvest, marking a significant 56% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this surge in exports occurred between September 2024 and April 27, 2025, showcasing the country’s growing dominance in the grain market.
The figures, reported by the NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, indicate that the volume of exports has risen dramatically, reflecting both a bountiful harvest and increased demand from neighboring countries. In 2024, Kazakhstan achieved a record grain harvest of 26.7 million tons, including 18 million tons of wheat, the highest yield in the last decade.
Kazakhstan's agricultural success is not just a national triumph; it has significant implications for regional food security. The country traditionally supplies grain to its Central Asian neighbors, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to Iran and Afghanistan. This year, exports to Uzbekistan alone increased by 29.7%, rising from 2.0 million tons to 2.7 million tons. Similarly, shipments to Tajikistan saw a 50% increase, growing from 718 thousand tons to 1,076 thousand tons.
Exports to Afghanistan also surged, climbing by 33.8% from 201 thousand tons to 269 thousand tons. Notably, the volume of grain exported to Kyrgyzstan doubled this year, increasing from 88 thousand tons to 178 thousand tons.
However, the most astonishing growth was observed in exports to Iran and Azerbaijan. Kazakhstan's shipments to Iran skyrocketed by 16 times, jumping from 54 thousand tons to an impressive 871 thousand tons. Meanwhile, exports to Azerbaijan surged by an astounding 111 times, from a mere 5 thousand tons to 557 thousand tons.
This dramatic increase in grain exports is a testament to Kazakhstan's strategic position as a key player in the Central Asian agricultural landscape. The country’s ability to produce and export such large quantities of grain not only benefits its economy but also helps to stabilize food supplies in the region.
As the demand for grain continues to rise, Kazakhstan’s agricultural policies and investment in farming technology will be critical in sustaining this growth. The government has been focusing on enhancing the efficiency of grain production and distribution, which has played a vital role in achieving these impressive export figures.
Experts believe that Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is poised for further expansion, particularly in light of the global food supply challenges exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical tensions. The country's fertile lands and favorable climatic conditions present an opportunity for increased agricultural output.
Moreover, the rising demand for grain in Central Asia and beyond indicates that Kazakhstan's role as a grain supplier will only strengthen in the coming years. The Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to promote exports and improve agricultural practices are expected to yield even more positive results in the future.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s export of 7.5 million tons of grain is not just a statistic; it represents a significant achievement in agricultural production and a vital contribution to regional food security. As the country continues to build on its agricultural success, it remains a key player in the global grain market.
