ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN — Wheat and barley production in Kazakhstan improved in 2022-23, with both experiencing a 39% increase from the previous year, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Wheat production is estimated at 16.4 million tonnes, the highest since 2017-18, with improved weather and precipitation. Barley production is estimated at 3.3 million tonnes.  

Kazakhstan exported 3.7 million tonnes of wheat in 2022-23, a 31% increase from the previous year. Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan remained the top three buyers of Kazakhstani wheat and wheat flour.

Based on the increase in wheat production and strong demand from traditional export markets, the USDA estimates wheat and wheat flour exports for 2022-23 to be 9.5 million tonnes, which is a 7% increase from the previous year.

The USDA estimates barley exports to be 900,000 tonnes, doubling last year’s export volume. This estimated increase is due to higher production and trader expectations that they will regain market share to Iran, Uzbekistan and China