Moisture Deficit Begins to Affect Crops in Kazakhstan

The prolonged hot and dry weather in Kazakhstan has led to a shortage of soil moisture in the eastern and central regions of the country, negatively affecting crop development and harvest expectations. This was reported by Yevgeny Karabanov, Head of the Analytics Committee of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan.

According to him, dry and hot weather prevailed across most northern regions during the past week. Daytime air temperatures reached 33–36°C, while in some areas the soil surface heated up to 65°C. These conditions caused leaf scorching, increased plant stress, and accelerated the evaporation of soil moisture. In the eastern and central parts of the country, this resulted in severe moisture shortages and crop suppression.

At the same time, agricultural producers continue to carry out crop protection measures against weeds, diseases, and pests.

Yevgeny Karabanov also noted that rain and thunderstorms occurred in several regions over the weekend. According to weather forecasts, such conditions are expected to continue until July 2–3. Daytime temperatures are expected to fall to 22–28°C, while nighttime temperatures will range between 16–20°C.

Farmers confirmed that precipitation did fall in some areas on June 29. However, the amount was limited. For example, farms in the Karaganda Region received only 5–7 mm of rainfall.

According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, domestic wheat prices increased slightly over the past week. Prices for most categories rose by KZT 1,000 per tonne:

• Class 3 wheat with 23–24 gluten — up to KZT 99,000–103,000 per tonne;
• Class 3 wheat with 25–26 gluten — up to KZT 101,000–105,000 per tonne;
• Class 3 wheat with 27 gluten — up to KZT 105,000–109,000 per tonne;
• Class 4 wheat — up to KZT 97,000–100,000 per tonne;
• Class 5 wheat — up to KZT 94,000–97,000 per tonne.

As Yevgeny Karabanov explained, grain supply from producers remains limited. Most farmers have already sold their remaining stocks, while those still holding grain are waiting for more favorable prices.

Grain export shipments also remain at a low level. According to the expert, this is due to seasonal factors and low export profitability caused by the price gap between domestic and international markets.

Meanwhile, export wheat prices on DAP Saryagash terms declined over the week. Prices fell by USD 1 per tonne for:

• Class 3 soft wheat with 23–24 gluten — to USD 257–261 per tonne;
• Class 3 soft wheat with 25–26 gluten — to USD 259–263 per tonne;
• Class 3 soft wheat with 28–29 gluten — to USD 279–284 per tonne;
• Class 3 soft wheat with 30+ gluten — to USD 295–299 per tonne;
• Class 4 wheat — to USD 250–254 per tonne;
• Class 5 wheat — to USD 246–250 per tonne.

The largest decline was recorded for Class 3 soft wheat with 27 gluten, which fell by USD 2 per tonne to USD 265–269 per tonne on DAP Saryagash terms.