Kazakhstan completes sowing amid climate challenges and crop diversificationKazakhstan has successfully concluded its 2025 spring sowing campaign, planting 23.7 million hectares – 100% of its target – despite significant weather fluctuations across key agricultural regions, the Ministry of Agriculture reported on June 6.Interfax-Kazakhstan spoke to industry experts to assess the conditions under which this year’s spring sowing campaign unfolded, the challenges farmers faced, and the level of government support provided.From Rain to ShineThe sowing season began in southern regions in mid-April, with northern areas commencing spring crop planting in early May. Regional authorities reported near-total readiness of farming equipment, including 139,000 tractors and 5,600 high-performance seeding systems available to agricultural enterprises nationwide.Farmers secured 991,000 tonnes of fertilizers for the season, with 841,000 tonnes delivered by planting time. Seed quality met high standards, with 99% of the 2.3 million tonnes required for spring sowing certified as first or second grade.A key change this year involved the government's decision to provide 700 billion tenge in subsidized loans starting December 2024 rather than during spring planting. This early financing mechanism significantly improved coordination between farmers and local authorities.The campaign saw regional variations in weather impact. The Akmola region, one of Kazakhstan's three main grain-producing areas, completed sowing ahead of schedule on June 4, covering 5.5 million hectares - 63,000 hectares more than last year. The region's farmers implemented extensive snow and moisture retention measures during winter and spring, treating over 2 million hectares of soil.In contrast, heavy May rains in Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions temporarily slowed planting progress. "Some areas received six weeks' worth of precipitation in just one month, potentially affecting wheat and oilseed planting schedules," noted Evgeny Karabanov of the Grain Union. Farmers later caught up when drier weather returned, ultimately planting over 5 million hectares in Kostanay and 4.4 million hectares in North Kazakhstan regions.Viktor Aslanov, chairman of Kazakhstan's Field Crop Union, highlighted the country's increasingly unpredictable climate patterns. "The Kostanay region currently shows two different climate zones - excessive moisture in the north while southern areas already face drought conditions," Aslanov observed.Despite these challenges, all regions completed sowing within optimal agronomic windows. Farmers now turn their attention to pest control, weed management, and equipment preparation for the upcoming harvest season.Last year's sowing campaign concluded in mid-June, covering 23.8 million hectares - meeting 100% of the planned area.Crop Shift: Wheat Loses Ground?Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation as farmers reduce wheat cultivation in favor of more profitable oilseed and alternative crops.The 2025 sowing season saw wheat acreage decrease by 187,000 hectares to 13 million hectares, while oilseed crops expanded by 500,000 hectares to 3.4 million hectares. The government argues that this strategic shift responds to both market realities and climate challenges."Flax cultivation alone reached 1 million hectares, driven by strong EU demand where Russian flax faces 20% tariffs, with current EXW prices ranging between $588-598 per tonne," said grain analyst Evgeny Karabanov.The changes align with government efforts to strengthen food security and export potential through crop diversification.Other notable changes include increases in feed crops (up 114,000 hectares to 3.3 million hectares), corn (167,500 hectares), and vegetables/melons (222,300 hectares). Potato cultivation grew by 11,300 hectares to 83,400 hectares.Field Crop Union chairman Viktor Aslanov supported the transition. "Our agriculture sometimes develops chaotically when choosing crops. This year, reason tells us to move from soft wheat to oilseeds, especially after last year's poor economic results for grains," Aslanov said.Arakawa Nobuyuki, director of North Kazakhstan's Orbis Agro, reported achieving better crop balance. "We reduced grain plantings while increasing oilseeds and legumes based on market demand," Nobuyuki said. "We've reached what we consider an optimal crop mix." (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX