Synopsis
The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a six-month export ban on potatoes to non-EAEU countries to stabilize domestic pricing. This decision comes in response to a significant rise in export volume, which has affected local markets. Current potato reserves are sufficient to meet local demand until the next harvest.Key Takeaways
- Kazakhstan imposes a six-month potato export ban.
- The ban targets non-EAEU countries only.
- Potato reserves exceed 850,000 tons.
- The 2024 harvest is projected at 2.9 million tons.
- Kazakhstan has a strong agricultural tradition.
Almaty, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture has announced a six-month restriction on potato exports to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in a bid to stabilize local potato prices, according to a statement released by the ministry on Sunday.
The ministry noted that the surge in potato exports, which increased by 1.5 times this year due to heightened demand from neighboring nations and elevated export prices, has had a significant impact on domestic markets, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This ban will not be applicable to transactions with EAEU member states and is designed to avert speculative price increases while ensuring market stability. The ministry emphasized that current potato reserves are adequate to satisfy domestic needs until the harvest in early 2025.
As of Sunday, the total reserves surpass 850,000 tons, not including inventory held in retail outlets. The anticipated harvest for 2024 is 2.9 million tons.
Kazakhstan plays a vital role as both a consumer and producer of potatoes in Central Asia, supported by a rich agricultural heritage. The country benefits from a favorable climate and extensive arable land, fostering a robust domestic potato production sector.
Modern farming practices, such as advanced irrigation systems and mechanized farming methods, enhance potato cultivation in Kazakhstan. Farmers generally plant potatoes in spring, with harvesting taking place in late summer or early autumn. As a prominent potato producer in Central Asia, Kazakhstan cultivates a wide variety of potato types across different regions.
The main areas for potato cultivation in Kazakhstan include North Kazakhstan, Akmola, Karaganda, and East Kazakhstan, all benefiting from optimal soil conditions and sufficient irrigation.
The potato production landscape in Kazakhstan consists of both large commercial farms and smallholder producers.
