Wheat Steps Back, Corn Moves Forward: How Kazakhstan’s Crop Structure Will Change in 2026

The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has outlined the priorities for the 2026 planting campaign. Farmers across the country are shifting their focus toward high-margin crops while reducing traditional grain acreage.

At a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, strategic changes in the crop structure were discussed. According to the announced plans, the total planted area in 2026 will reach 23.8 million hectares, which is 180,000 hectares more than in 2025.

The main trend of the 2026 season is the continued diversification of crop production. Data presented by Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov demonstrate that Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector is consistently implementing a long-term strategy: reducing traditional grain crops and expanding those in high demand for processing.

The total area under grain crops will continue to decline, reaching 15.9 million hectares — a decrease of 112,400 hectares compared to last year. Wheat acreage will fall from 12.2 million to 12.1 million hectares. While the reduction appears minor, it represents another step in the sector’s long-term transformation strategy.

At the same time, farmers are expanding the production of high-margin crops. Oilseed crops will increase by 55,200 hectares, bringing their total area to 4.045 million hectares. Barley acreage will grow by 93,800 hectares to reach 2.4 million hectares.

Special attention is being paid to corn. Corn planting areas will expand by 42,900 hectares, reaching 217,500 hectares. This is not a random decision, but a response to a specific industrial demand.

“A significant increase in corn acreage will be required to supply raw materials for the new vertically integrated corn deep-processing industrial park of Fufeng Group in the Zhambyl region,” Azat Sultanov explained.

As early as 2026, during the launch of the first phase, the enterprise will require between 500,000 and 700,000 tonnes of corn. In the longer term, annual demand is expected to reach 1 million tonnes.

Another major change is the expansion of forage crop acreage by 37,400 hectares to a total of 3.1 million hectares. This is linked to the launch of a comprehensive livestock development program starting this year.

Thus, the 2026 planting campaign continues Kazakhstan’s course toward transforming its agricultural policy. The country is steadily moving away from a monocultural dependence on grain crops and forming a balanced crop structure that meets the needs of the processing industry and the domestic market.

The next articles in our series will focus on specific aspects of preparation for the planting season, including water-saving technologies in southern regions and government support measures for farmers.