January 16, 2012

Kazakhstan's wheat production expected to reach 22.5 million tonnes

The USDA estimates Kazakhstan 2011/12 wheat production at 22.5 million tonnes, up 1.5 million or 7% from last month, and up 12.8 million or 132% from last year.

The harvest surpassed the previous record of 22.2 million tonnes, set in 1979 when sown area was nearly 25% higher. Area for 2011/12 is estimated at 13.8 million hectares against 14.5 million last year. Yield is estimated at a record 1.63 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) compared to 1.52 t/ha last month, 0.67 t/ha last year, and the 5-year average of 1.02 t/ha.

The on-month revision is based on preliminary data from the State Statistical Agency. The main wheat-production region benefited from outstanding weather throughout the growing season. Wheat typically comprises about 80 to 85% of Kazakhstan's total grain production.