From Locust Swarms to Saiga HoovesThe Agriculture Ministry estimates locusts could affect 2.1 million hectares this year, down 1 million hectares from 2024. As of June 8, pest control measures have treated over 1.4 million hectares. A special national task force has been established, with regional governments equipped with the necessary chemicals and equipment.Recent social media reports of uncontrolled locust outbreaks in southern regions were dismissed by officials as inaccurate.The government budget has allocated 7.1 billion tenge for enhanced monitoring and preventive measures. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov assigned regional authorities must maintain constant vigilance and implement comprehensive protection strategies.Meanwhile, northern grain-growing areas face a different challenge - surging saiga antelope herds damaging crops. Farmers report using vehicles to scare the protected species from fields, with some risking significant harvest losses.Field Crop Union Chairman Viktor Aslanov warned of broader consequences: "The saiga situation presents a major threat to food security. Without proper population management protocols, we'll face severe problems next year." The union has submitted a formal petition to parliament requesting population control measures.Deputy Environment Minister Nurken Sharbiyev confirmed the saiga population may exceed 5 million after calving season, overwhelming existing protection efforts. Scientific advisors note that culling up to 20% of the population wouldn't endanger the species' sustainability.Cautious Harvest OutlookDeputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov declined to provide specific yield projections, stating it was premature before crops reach key development stages. However, he confirmed the ministry's target of maintaining at least average production levels while forecasting grain exports of approximately 8 million tonnes."The coming weeks will be decisive," said Nobuyuki Arakawa of Orbis Agro. "While we benefited from good spring soil moisture, the forecasted hot, dry summer will test our crops' resilience."The Field Crops Union anticipates reduced yields compared to last year's record 26 million-tonne harvest. "We've long expected lower productivity across all crops this season," said union chairman Viktor Aslanov. "After initial pessimistic April forecasts, planting conditions varied widely by region."Aslanov identified multiple challenges threatening yields: "Weed infestations have become particularly severe as farmers lack resources for proper control after three lean years. When you combine financial constraints with weed pressure and saiga antelope damage, we're maintaining our conservative harvest estimates."Historical context shows Kazakhstan's volatile grain production, ranging from 16.4 million tonnes in 2021 to last year's record crop. This year's outcome now hinges on summer weather patterns and farmers' ability to manage mounting agricultural pressures.In 2024, Kazakhstan harvested a record grain crop of 26 million metric tonnes. In 2023, the country collected 16.6 million metric tonnes. The 2022 grain harvest exceeded yields from the past decade, reaching 21.8 million metric tonnes. In 2021, farmers gathered 16.4 million metric tonnes of grain. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX