Mineral fertilizers are not reaching the fields: what is causing the disruption in supplies?

The pace of mineral fertilizer shipments to Kazakhstan’s regions remains critically low, despite the active phase of preparation for spring fieldwork. According to government sources, the main reason for delays is outstanding debts from farms for 2024 deliveries, which have yet to be repaid.

As stated during a recent government meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to ensure the application of 1.9 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers. However, the current situation poses a risk of farmers being left without necessary resources during the peak of the sowing season.

The issue stems from last year: domestic fertilizer producers, under the guarantees of local executive authorities, provided farmers with deferred payment for the unsubsidized portion (40%) until autumn. This was a vital support measure amid a shortage of working capital. Yet, some farms failed to meet their contractual obligations, causing difficulties for manufacturers to continue shipments this season.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov stressed the urgent need to resolve the issue, emphasizing that responsible farmers should not suffer due to the actions of others. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin instructed regional authorities to ensure repayment and accelerate fertilizer deliveries to prevent disruptions during spring sowing.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 423,000 hectares have already been sown in the southern regions, including 241,000 ha of grain crops, 88,000 ha of forage crops, 29,000 ha of vegetables, 12,000 ha of potatoes, 15,000 ha of melons, and 35,000 ha of oilseeds. The mass sowing campaign is set to begin on May 15.

For the 2025 harvest, winter grains were planted on 405,700 hectares, with 73.3% of crops in good condition and 23.9% in satisfactory condition.
Serik Zhumangarin instructed authorities to strengthen control over sowing preparations and tasked sectoral ministries with promptly resolving issues related to farmer support. Deputy Ministers of Agriculture have been dispatched to key grain-producing regions to monitor the situation and coordinate on-site efforts.

🔑 Key takeaways:
🔹 Debts are stalling shipments — many farms have not repaid 2024 fertilizer contracts despite deferral.
🔹 Sowing season at risk — delays may disrupt the timely provision of inputs to farmers.
🔹 Government intervenes — local authorities tasked with debt recovery; vice ministers sent to key regions.