Kazakhstan Allocates $90 Million to Support Grain Exports

The abundant 2024 grain harvest posed challenges for Kazakhstan's farmers, who must now ensure profitable sales. To assist with this, the government has approved a new support package, Orda.kz reports.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed a resolution allocating 40 billion tenge (approximately $90 million) from the national reserve to support agricultural producers, primarily in the grain sector.

These funds aim to:

• Ensure a timely and high-quality sowing campaign
  
• Clear storage facilities for the 2025 harvest
  
• Strengthen the international presence of Kazakhstan's grain
  
• Expand export destinations

In 2024, the country harvested a record grain crop of 25.2 million tons. The high yield was achieved as a result of the correct use of agricultural technologies and due to favorable weather conditions. At the same time, the domestic market demand is about 10 million tons,
the cabinet stated. 

With domestic demand already met, the remainder of the harvest is available for export.

Currently, Kazakhstan exports 10 million tons of grain annually to neighboring countries like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The government aims to expand exports to Iran, Azerbaijan, and other countries via transit through Russia, China, the Baltics, Turkmenistan, and Georgia.

To boost competitiveness abroad, the government will subsidize part of the transportation costs for two million tons of grain exports using the same 40 billion tenge fund.

Subsidies will be paid based on documentation confirming shipment costs. 

20 thousand tenge per ton upon shipment:

• Through Russia to the ports of the Azov, Black and Baltic Seas
  
• To Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia
  
• Through Turkmenistan to Afghanistan and Iran
  
• To Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia

30 thousand tenge per ton upon shipment:

• Through Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to the Baltic ports
  
• Through Azerbaijan and Georgia to the Black Sea ports
  
• Through China to the countries of Southeast Asia

Between September 2024 and April 2025, Kazakhstan exported 6.9 million tons of grain — a 54% increase compared to the same period last season.

Original Author: Alina Pak