Deep Grain Processing in Kazakhstan: Plans and Achievements  

 

At a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, the current state and prospects for deep grain processing in Kazakhstan were discussed. Enterprise leaders and investors implementing projects in this sector presented their reports and plans.

 Currently, Kazakhstan operates three major grain processing plants. These include Zharkent Starch Plant LLP in Zhetysu, processing 150,000 tons of corn annually; AsiaAgroFood LLP in the Almaty region, with a capacity of 60,000 tons of corn, producing starch, molasses, and starch syrups; and BioOperation LLP in the North Kazakhstan region, processing 250,000 tons of wheat to produce starch, gluten, bioethanol, and animal feed.

 According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2023, Kazakhstan produced 111,000 tons of starch products. Corn starch production reached 27,700 tons, an increase of 12,200 tons compared to 2022. Wheat starch production rose by 1,400 tons to 21,100 tons. However, molasses production decreased by 5,500 tons to 51,800 tons, while gluten output fell by 600 tons, totaling 10,100 tons.

 Exports of processed grain products showed significant growth in 2023. Corn starch exports reached 11,500 tons, wheat starch exports rose to 15,700 tons, and molasses exports increased to 19,400 tons. However, gluten exports declined to 6,900 tons. Import volumes also decreased, indicating a strengthening of domestic production.

 By 2028, three large-scale projects are planned for implementation in Kazakhstan. Qostanai Grain Industry LLP is building a plant in the Kostanay region with a processing capacity of 415,000 tons of grain per year to produce lysine, gluten, bioethanol, and carbon dioxide. The plant is scheduled to launch in 2027, creating 650 jobs. KazStarch LLP in the Turkestan region plans to process 100,000-150,000 tons of corn annually, with the project set for completion in 2026, creating 500 jobs. A joint project by Turkey’s Tiryaki Agro and Qatar’s Hassad Food in Astana will process 240,000 tons of grain annually to produce starch, gluten, and syrups for export, with completion scheduled for 2026, creating 250 jobs.

 Additionally, negotiations are ongoing for four more projects involving deep processing of wheat and corn with a combined capacity of over 2 million tons per year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov assured that Kazakhstan's grain production volumes are sufficient to meet the needs of all existing and planned facilities.

 The government is providing substantial support for deep grain processing projects, including investment subsidies, reduced loan interest rates, and tax preferences. Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the importance of timely implementation at all stages of these projects and instructed that monthly meetings be held with enterprise leaders to monitor progress and address challenges.

 The development of deep grain processing in Kazakhstan not only strengthens the domestic economy but also expands the country’s export potential. These projects contribute to job creation, increased value-added grain products, and bolstered Kazakhstan's position in the global market.