Claims regarding discrepancies between USDA and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MA RK) data on grain yield in Kazakhstan amounting to 8 million tons are not accurate, stated the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic.
“The 18 million tons reported by Kazakhstan according to the USDA’s data refers specifically to wheat yield, while the 26.7 million tons reported by MA RK includes data on the total yield of grain and leguminous crops (barley, oats, peas, lentils, etc.), including wheat. It is important to note that in its official communications, MA RK has consistently disclosed that the total harvest for 2024 includes both grain and leguminous crops, and it is standard practice to mention them together in agricultural statistics,” the statement emphasized.
According to operational data from regional akimats, grain and leguminous crops have been harvested from an area of 16.7 million hectares with an average yield of 16.1 centners per hectare, resulting in an initial weight of 26.7 million tons.
Moreover, according to the statistical form “On the Harvesting of Agricultural Crops,” data is submitted by agricultural producers once a year based on their location to the statistical authorities.
Final data will be published on the website of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan in early February. It should be noted that the initial weight data may differ from the final data on average, taking into account recalibration.
“Arguments supporting the thesis of inflated yield data for 2024 include a decrease in yield due to flooding, although only a small area of agricultural land was affected, with the commission confirming damage on 3.8 thousand hectares. Additionally, most soils absorb moisture quickly, and a sufficient volume of moisture contributes to high yields. Other arguments, such as the lack of fertilizers and agricultural machinery, are also unfounded,” the ministry noted.
Thanks to government support, there is a positive trend in the application of mineral fertilizers. Over the past five years, the volume of fertilizer application has increased by 2.2 times, from 600 thousand tons in 2020 to 1.2 million tons in 2024 (the volume of subsidies during this period has grown by 1.7 times from 27.3 to 46.4 billion tenge).
“The MA RK is committed to transparent and objective statistics in the sector; for this purpose, in 2024, a significant effort was made in collaboration with the Bureau of National Statistics to reduce discrepancies, and the ministry continuously advocates for moving away from GDP indicators in assessing the quality of MIO’s work. We urge everyone to trust official materials and to be discerning in choosing information sources and authors,” emphasized the ministry.