Kazakhstan Aims to Rank Among the World’s Top Ten Leaders in Deep Grain Processing

Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector is undergoing a large-scale transformation, shifting from the traditional export of raw materials toward the production of goods with high added value. This process is driven by a state strategy under which the country intends to secure a position among the world’s top ten suppliers of deep grain processing products within the next decade. The focus is placed not merely on increasing volumes, but on a qualitative transformation of the production structure, enabling the agro-industrial complex to become genuinely competitive in the global market.

At the current stage, the industry is demonstrating stable growth dynamics. According to the results of 2025, volumes of deep grain processing exceeded 510 thousand tons. At present, three specialized enterprises operate in the country, supplying the market with starch, gluten, molasses, and bioethanol. In more detailed terms, more than 152 thousand tons of starch products were produced last year, with molasses and starch accounting for the largest share, alongside a significant volume of gluten. In addition, bioethanol production reached 21.2 thousand tons, confirming the effectiveness of existing capacities and the strong demand for government support measures.

However, the real technological breakthrough is expected to come from the implementation of an investment plan extending through 2028. During this period, Kazakhstan plans to launch five major projects focused on the processing of wheat and corn. The combined capacity of the new plants will amount to approximately 4.8 million tons of grain per year, several times higher than current levels. The scale of these initiatives is also reflected in their financial dimension, with total investments estimated at 2.6 billion US dollars. Beyond purely economic benefits, the projects carry a significant social impact, with around 3.3 thousand qualified jobs expected to be created.

The geography of the new production facilities covers key agricultural regions of the country. In the Kostanay region, construction is planned for a wheat processing plant with a capacity of 415 thousand tons. Turkestan and Zhambyl regions will become centers for corn processing, while facilities in Astana and Akmola region will focus not only on basic products such as starch and gluten, but also on more complex outputs including amino acids, vitamins, and bio-ingredients. This will significantly expand Kazakhstan’s export portfolio, reducing dependence on volatile raw grain prices.

A key feature of the new model is its strong export orientation. Products from the future enterprises are targeted at high-demand markets, including China, India, European countries, the United States, as well as the CIS and Middle Eastern states. This approach will not only increase foreign currency revenues, but also diversify trade ties, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. In essence, Kazakhstan is laying the foundation for a new high-tech industry capable of processing a substantial share of the harvest domestically and supplying the global market with finished products featuring high added value.