The Minister briefed the President on the current situation in the agricultural sector of the country and the course of preparations for the harvest campaign.
“This agricultural year is hit by drought. The dry weather conditions affected not only our country but also Russia, the United States and Europe. Last year we gathered a record crop harvest but this year will be a tough one for the agricultural industry,” President Nazarbayev said.
The President underlined that it is necessary to strengthen preparations for the upcoming harvesting campaign. In particular, it is necessary to work on the issues related to the provision of fuel and lubricants, agricultural machinery, agricultural equipment, as well as the provision of seed crops for next year.
According to President Nursultan Nazarbayev, it is important to monitor the level of grain prices in the domestic market. The Government will provide comprehensive assistance to the agricultural industry. In this case, it is necessary to work efficiently and orderly.
In terms of weather conditions, the current year can be compared with the year of 2010, when the yield was not so good due the high temperatures in some regions.
"In general, despite the drought conditions, the grain harvest in the country will be at an average level. A good harvest is expected in the North-Kazakhstan region and some areas of the Karaganda, Akmola, and Kostanai regions," Assylzhan Mamytbekov highlighted.
Following the meeting, the President gave specific instructions on timely preparations for the harvesting campaign and for rendering assistance to the country’s agricultural producers who suffered from unfavorable weather conditions.
This year, the dry weather conditions affecting the growth and development of agricultural crops are observed in some regions of Kazakhstan. The drought basically affected southern districts of Kostanai, Akmola, Karaganda, and Aktobe regions. According to forecasts, this year the country will harvest about 12.8 million tons of grains with an average yield of 8.1 tons per hectare.