ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 7. A total of 99,800 hectares were sown rice this year in Kazakhstan, which is 12,400 hectares more than last year's figures, Trend reports.
According to the country's Ministry of Agriculture, the largest areas of rice cultivation were observed in the Kyzylorda region, accounting for 88,100 hectares. Other regions allocated their rice fields as follows: Almaty region, 7,000 hectares, Zhetysu region, 1,000 hectares, and Turkestan region, 3,700 hectares.
The expected harvest is projected to fully meet the domestic demand of the Kazakh market while providing sufficient volumes for export. Currently, rice stocks, including last year's carryover, amount to 60,400 tons, which is ample to meet domestic consumption until the new harvest is gathered in September.
In addition, as noted by the ministry, this year's rice harvest is anticipated to surpass that of 2022. Consequently, there are no objective reasons for price increases due to a shortage of rice. However, the ministry explained, external factors such as poor harvests in other countries and high export demand may impact prices.
