Corn Production and Corn Seed Market in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Agriculture is the strategic economic sector in Kazakhstan that requires further modernization and introduction of innovative practices to boost the agricultural production in the country. Though wheat and barley are main crops among Kazakhstani farmers, alternative crops like oilseeds, corn, vegetables, fruits, etc. contribute to the country’s gross agricultural product and food security. The corn production in Kazakhstan was rarely elucidated or discussed in the academic community. Though, this crop is an essential income source for many farmers in the southern Kazakhstan. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to shed light on the status, development, and perspectives of corn production in Kazakhstan with a focus on its seed market. The corn production area in Kazakhstan was around 301 thousand hectares in 2021, from which grain corn production comprised 63% and silage corn was 37%. The leading area of corn production in Kazakhstan was Almaty region. The region alone contributed 50% of grain corn in the country. Corn seeds of more than 25 originators were sold to Kazakhstani farmers in 2021. The latter planted more than 150 various corn hybrid varieties. 60% of all corn seeds were imported. The slow modernization of available equipment and agricultural practices were essential handicaps in quick and successful development of Kazakhstani farmers. The research about corn, corn production, corn market, and corn seed market in Kazakhstan is very limited. Therefore, further detailed studies in this field are necessary to illuminate various aspects of corn growing in Kazakhstan for international academic community.