In brief
In 2026, Kazakhstan harvested 24.3 million tonnes of grain, the most since 2011, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Grain exports rose 9 % in the first half of the year, reaching 1.657 million tonnes, and two‑year export totals set new record highs. The country’s farmers and exporters benefited from a productive season amid growing global demand.
In Almaty, Kazakhstan announced that its 2026 harvest yielded 24.3 million tonnes of grain, a figure the Ministry of Agriculture said was the highest level in 15 years.
The Ministry noted that the only other years with higher yields were 2007 and 2011, when conditions also led to record harvests.
The 24.3 million‑tonne harvest supports a country that has been steadily improving its agricultural output since joining the international grain market.
At the same time, grain exports from Kazakhstan climbed 9 % during the first 42 days of 2026. According to data from the national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, exports reached 1.657 million tonnes between September and October 19, 2026.
The Ministry said the rise in export volumes was driven by global demand for grain and the government’s support for the export sector.
Looking at the two marketing years that cover the period from September 2024 to August 2025 and from September 2025 to August 2026, Kazakhstan exported 15.5 million tonnes and 16 million tonnes of grain and flour in grain‑equivalent measures, respectively.
Both figures were record highs for the country since it declared independence in 1991.
These export numbers reflect a broad commitment to the grain trade, including deals with Middle Eastern and African countries seeking diversified supply sources.
The Ministry also indicated that additional processing infrastructure would be developed to meet the increased production and export demand over the next few years.
Farmers in central Kazakhstan reported better-than-expected yields due to a dry season that decreased disease pressure on wheat and barley crops.
Meanwhile, experts warned that increasing water use in irrigated areas could pose long‑term sustainability challenges if climate patterns change in the future.
In the context of rising global prices, the Republic’s grain industry expected to continue expanding export volumes to meet both domestic needs and the demands of international markets.
The 24.3 million‑tonne harvest does not only signify a statistical record; it also boosts the confidence of the government’s agricultural development plans, which aim to establish Kazakhstan as a key player in the world food market.
For local farmers, the record harvest means higher incomes and a stronger bargaining position when negotiating with buyers abroad.
The Ministry’s announcement was made during a press event in the capital, where officials highlighted policy measures designed to support farmers, such as subsidies for modern farming equipment and expanded access to credit.
These measures have helped keep Kazakhstan’s grain sector dynamic amid global economic fluctuations.
Overall, the 2026 harvest and the record export figures indicate that Kazakhstan’s grain industry remains a major contributor to the country’s economy and a pivotal supplier in global food markets.