April 20, 2009
Kazakhstan MY 2008-09 wheat crop seen to fall on economic concerns
Kazakhstan's MY 2008-09 wheat crop is seen at 12.5 million tonnes, below the previous year's record due to competition from Russia as well as the economic slowdown in import demand, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Export forecast has been cut to 3.5 million tonnes but assuming normal weather conditions, MY 2009-10 wheat crop is seen to increase to 14 million tonnes and exports to rebound 6.5 million tonnes.
The Kazakhstan Ministry of Agriculture has officially forecasted 2009 wheat planting area at 13,300 hectares. Based on the current weather, soil conditions and moisture content, the ministry is assuming better yields this year and therefore forecasting grain production for MY 2009-10 to be 10 percent higher than MY 2008-09.
For more of the USDA report, please click here.
