16.07.2026, 23:46
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture Unveils Key Agricultural Modernization Projects
The ministry presented first-half results, investment projects, and plans for further import substitution
Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex has entered a new stage of investment and technological modernization. The Ministry of Agriculture presented the sector’s key performance indicators and major projects expected to drive its further development.
During the first six months of 2026, Kazakhstan’s gross agricultural output increased by 4.4% to reach KZT 2.2 trillion. One of the main drivers of this growth was stronger investment activity. Between January and May 2026, investment in agriculture increased by 36.4%, while investment in food production rose 2.7 times to KZT 207.3 billion.
The total sown area expanded to 23.8 million hectares this year, which is 180,000 hectares more than last year. A significant share of farmland was allocated to high-margin crops. Oilseed crops now cover 4.3 million hectares, forage crops 3.3 million hectares, while grain and legume crops account for approximately 15.8 million hectares.
The livestock sector also continued to demonstrate positive growth. The cattle population increased by 5.8% to 9.3 million head. Horse numbers rose by 7.4% to 5 million head, while the camel population grew by 3.6% to 312,000 head.
Production volumes also increased. Meat production in slaughter weight rose by 5.5% to 559,000 tonnes. Cow's milk production increased by 2.4% to 1.9 million tonnes, while egg production grew by 7.9% to 2.4 billion eggs.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan's domestic market is currently supplied with 80–100% locally produced goods across the main food categories. The ministry noted that increasing domestic production helps stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imports. Import substitution efforts continue in six remaining vulnerable product categories: poultry meat, fish, processed meat products, cheese, sugar, and apples.
To support processing industries and attract investment, a Roadmap for 2026–2028 has been prepared. Within its framework, 13 major international investment agreements have already been signed.
Among the largest projects is a $1.5 billion deep corn processing plant to be built by Shengtai Biotech LLP together with China's Fufeng Group. In Akmola Region, Asia Altyn Dan LLP, in cooperation with Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group, plans to build a $650 million deep grain processing facility.
In Almaty Region, QazaqArab Sugar LLP, together with the UAE-based Al Khaleej, intends to construct a $580 million sugar plant. Another major project предусматривает the construction of a $320 million deep grain processing complex in Astana by Kazak Protein LLP in partnership with Turkey's Tiryaki Holding.
In addition, Almaty Region is expected to host new production facilities by international companies Mars Petcare, worth KZT 88.8 billion, and Coca-Cola Almaty Bottlers, worth KZT 41.8 billion.
