Grain reserves of the Republic of Kazakhstan: patterns of formation and utilization

The Republic of Kazakhstan, possessing favorable natural and other potential resources, has established itself as a major grain producer. Its grain is distinguished by high food and feed quality, as well as its ability to retain quality during storage, thereby contributing to the formation of emergency and reserve stocks, serving as a raw material base for the processing industry, and providing a source of income for agricultural producers.

The objective – is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current trends in the formation and utilization of grain resources in the republic, to examine the economic parameters of grain production and processing in order to substantiate the prospects of the regional grain market and the level of food security.

Methods – economicstatistical, systems analysis, and comparative methods were employed to systematize data on the production and processing volumes of grain crops across different periods and regions. A logical approach was applied in interpreting the results obtained.

Results – the study demonstrates that the country's grain sector continues to hold strategic importance for the national economy and food security. A stable upward trend in gross grain harvests was identified, although with signifycant dependence on climatic conditions. It was established that grain product sales are predominantly export-oriented, while domestic consumption has shown moderate growth. The key challenges facing the sector were identified, including fluctuations in crop yields, an insufficient level of technological modernization, logistical constraints, and price volatility in the global grain trade.

Conclusions – the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s grain sector requires the diversification of production processes, the introduction of innovative agricultural technologies, the improvement of grain storage and transportation infrastructure, and the implementation of effective mechanisms for government regulation and risk insurance. These measures will help ensure stability in the grain market, satisfy domestic demand, and maintain the country’s export potential.

1. Avileis, F.G. & Mallory, M.L. (2021). The impact of Brazil on global grain dynamics: a study on cross-market volatility spillovers. Available at: https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2104.12706 (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in English].

2. Dzhumabaeva, A.M., Ordabaeva, G.K. & Kosubekova, S.Zh. (2024). Zernovoe hozjajstvo Respubliki Kazahstan: tendencii i mehanizmy sovershenstvovanija [Grain farming of the Republic of Kazakhstan: trends and mechanisms for improvement]. Problemy agrorynka - Problems of AgriMarket, 4, 112-122 [in Russian].

3. Erenstein, O., Jaleta, M., Sonder, K., Mottaleb, K. & Prasanna, B.M. (2022). Global maize production, consumption and trade: trends and R&D implications. Food Security, 14 (5), 1295–1319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-02201288-7 [in English].

4. Lemenkova, P. (2025). Dynamics of global harvest and production of cereals: exploring trends for 30-year period. Poljoprivredna tehnika, 50 (4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.5937/POLJTEH2504001L [in English].

5. Fan, J., Wang, J., Li, H. & Zhang, X. (2022). Crop yield prediction using deep learning and remote sensing data: A review and metaanalysis. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 198, 106936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2022.106936 [in English].

6. Rudoy, E.V. & Petukhova, M.S. (2021). Nauchno-tehnologicheskoe razvitie zernovogo proizvodstva Rossii: kompleksnaja ocenka, problemy i puti reshenija [Scientific and technological development of grain production in Russia: comprehensive assessment, problems and solutions]. APK: Ekonomika, upravlenie - AIC: Economics, Management, 6, 71-79 [in Russian].

7. Irmulatov, B.R., Abdullaev, K.K., Komarov, A.A. & Yakushev, V.V. (2021). Prospects for precision management of wheat productivity in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. Agricultural Biology, 56 (1), 92–102 [in English].

8. Mishra, A.K. & Khanal, S. (2020). Adoption of agricultural technologies and cereal productivity. Food Policy, 94, 101842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2020.101842 [in English].

9. OECD–FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025– 2034 (2025). Available at: https://www.agri-outlook.org/ (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in English].

10. Yakovenko, N.A. & Ivanenko, I.S. (2020). Formation and usage trends of grain resources: Experience of foreign countries and Russia. Scientific Research and Development. Economics, 8 (5), 46–51. https://doi.org/10.12737/2587-9111-2020-46-51 [in English].

11. «Kazinform» Qazaqstandyq halyqaralyq aqparat agenttıgı. Qazaqstandağy tūqym şaruaşylyğy: jağdaiy jäne damu perspektivalary [Seed farming in Kazakhstan: state and development prospects] (2024). Available at: https://www.inform.kz (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in Kazakh].

12. Analiz mirovogo i regional'nogo rynka zerna v 2024/2025 godu i perspektivy na sledujushhij sezon [Analysis of the global and regional grain market in 2024/2025 and prospects for the next season] (2024). Available at: https://www.agrosearch.kz/news/analiz-mirovogo-i-regionalnogo--rynka-zerna-v--20242025-godu-i-perspektivy-na-sleduyushhii-sezon (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in Russian].

13. Sel'skohozjajstvennyj prognoz OJeSR– FAO na 2025–2034 gody [OECD–FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034] (2025). Available at: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-faoagricultural--outlook--2025-2034_601276cd-en.html (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in Russian].

14. Qazaqstan Respublikasy Strategialyq josparlau jäne reformalar agenttıgınıñ Ūlttyq statıstika bürosy [Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan] (2025). Available at: https://www.stat.gov.kz/ru/ (date of access: 18.03.2026) [in Kazakh].

15. Duisenbekova, A.A., Danilowska, A.A. & Hamulczuk, M. (2025). Rol' zernovogo rynka v obespechenii prodovol'stvennoj bezopasnosti Respubliki Kazahstan [The role of the grain market in ensuring food security of the Republic of Kazakhstan]. Problemy agrorynka - Problems of AgriMarket, 3, 158-168. https://doi.org/10.46666/2025-3.2708-9991.14 [in Russian].