Kazakhstan Shifts Focus to Oilseeds Amid Declining Wheat Production
Kazakhstan has long been a significant producer and exporter of wheat, thanks to its vast grain-growing regions in northern Kazakhstan. However, the country is now shifting focus towards oilseed production, particularly sunflowers.
The International Grains Council forecasts total grain production in Kazakhstan at 20.3 million tonnes in 2026-27, down from 24.2 million the year before. Wheat production is expected to drop to 15.3 million tonnes, while barley output will decrease to 3.2 million tonnes.
The US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service notes that exceptional harvests in recent years are unlikely to be repeated, and weather-related delays in spring planting combined with a hot and dry growing season may cause wheat production to drop sharply.