June 12, 2006

Kazakhstan exports 1.2 million tonnes grain in first 5 months of 2006

Kazakhstan exported 1.2 million tonnes of grain between Jan 1 and May 31 this year, 538,000 tonnes more than in the corresponding period last year, according to the agriculture ministry Monday (Jun 12).

Grain exports to Commonwealth of Independent States during the period were 1.1 million tonnes, Russia being the largest importer with 777,000 tonnes.

Grain exports to Iran increased to 45,000 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes a year ago.

Kazakhstan's grain harvest this year is likely to be about the same as last year, when 13.5 million tonnes in clean weight was harvested, the agriculture ministry said.

The grain planted area this year is about the same as in 2005 at 14.5 million hectares.