Agro-Diversification 2025: Kazakhstan Shifts Cropping Structure

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan continues the implementation of a large-scale program for the diversification of crop areas aimed at increasing the resilience of the agricultural sector. For the first time, about 1 million hectares of farmland will be subject to reallocation under the diversification measures, reflecting the government's serious intentions to reshape the traditional agrarian model.

From Monoculture to Sustainable Production
The main goal of the reform is to reduce the dependence of the sector on monocultures, primarily grain, and to ensure sustainable development through the expansion of land under high-profit and marketable crops. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2025 Kazakhstan is expected to see a noticeable increase in the sowing of legumes, oilseeds, and forage crops, which are in demand both domestically and internationally.

Record Areas for Sunflower and Flax
Special attention is given to the expansion of oilseed production. The sown area for this group will increase by 378 thousand hectares, reaching 3.3 million hectares. For the first time, sunflower will occupy 1.4 million hectares, which is 121 thousand hectares more than last year. Flax cultivation is projected to increase by 181 thousand hectares, safflower by 52 thousand hectares, and rapeseed by 28 thousand hectares. These changes aim to strengthen the country's export potential and diversify processing opportunities.

Strengthening Forage Base and Agricultural Resilience
To support livestock farming and improve crop rotation, forage crop areas will be expanded by 127 thousand hectares. Experts believe this will help farmers build a more stable business model and reduce risks related to climate fluctuations and market volatility.

Reduction of Wheat Areas and Adjustment for Other Crops
Amid policy reorientation, wheat areas have continued to decline—shrinking by 750 thousand hectares over two years, including a 187 thousand-hectare reduction this season. Meanwhile, due to strong market demand, barley and buckwheat areas will increase by 158 thousand and 41 thousand hectares, respectively, enhancing food security and price stability in the domestic market.

Targeted Adjustments in Technical and Vegetable Crops
Given the challenges faced in the previous season, the area under sugar beet will be reduced by 6.7 thousand hectares to 18.4 thousand hectares. At the same time, organized agricultural enterprises will increase potato plantings by 11.3 thousand hectares to meet domestic demand and avoid shortages.

Cotton with Drip Irrigation: Water Efficiency as a Priority
In response to water scarcity, Kazakhstan is adjusting its cotton policy. In 2025, cotton will be sown on 135 thousand hectares. Of this, drip irrigation systems will be used on 50 thousand hectares—an efficient and water-saving technology. Traditional irrigation methods will be reduced by 21.4 thousand hectares.
The proposed crop structure for 2025 is not merely a redistribution of fields but a strategic step toward a balanced and profitable agricultural model. A system focused on diversity, food self-sufficiency, and export growth is expected to significantly enhance the resilience of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
• +1 million hectares under diversification — farmlands to be shifted to high-demand, high-profit crops.
• Oilseed expansion records — sunflower to reach 1.4 million ha, flax up 181,000 ha.
• Focus on resilience — more forage crops, less wheat, water-saving irrigation systems introduced.