Kazakhstan begins sowing operations – Agriculture MinistryKazakhstan has started spring crop sowing, Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov announced."The sowing of spring crops has begun, with all regions engaged in the planting. So far, 3.7 million hectares have been sown, including 2 million hectares of grains, 300,000 hectares of fodder crops, 888,000 hectares of oilseeds and 195,000 hectares of vegetables, melons and potatoes. The sowing of cotton and sugar beet is nearing completion," Saparov said during a Tuesday meeting of the government.Winter grains were planted on 405,700 hectares, with 74% of the crops in good condition and 23% in satisfactory condition, the minister said.He added that this year's total area under crops will reach 23.7 million hectares, an increase of 413,000 hectares compared to the previous year."We are working towards diversification of crops: over the past two years, wheat acreage has been reduced by 750,000 hectares, while fodder and oilseed crops are expected to cover 3.3 million hectares each this year. Sunflower cultivation will reach a record 1.4 million hectares for the first time," Saparov said.Grains and legumes are planned to be sown on 16.6 million hectares, while cotton will occupy 135,000 hectares, he added. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX