Farmers in Kazakhstan Losing Crops Due to Saiga Influx: Is Compensation Available?

In the West Kazakhstan region, the saiga antelope population continues to rise — reaching 2.3 million according to recent estimates. Their habitat spans seven districts, including Taskalinsky, Baiterek and Kaztalovsky, where crop production is actively developed.

Farmers are reporting widespread crop damage, as saigas trample wheat, barley, safflower and hayfields. The most affected farms are located in the Dostyk and Merey rural districts, where animals have entered hundreds of hectares.

Under current regulations, compensation for damage is only available if a state of emergency is declared, significantly limiting farmers’ access to reimbursement. Although a government program offering 50% subsidies for installing protective fences has been in place since last year, no applications have been submitted to date.

To contain the herds, 30 teams from the state wildlife agency "Okhotzooprom" and local authorities have been mobilized. A total of 116 personnel and 74 vehicles are involved in the daily effort to repel the animals — yet saigas continue to breach the fields.

The situation is becoming systemic. Meetings are being held in the districts, farmers are demanding solutions and warning of potential bankruptcies. Authorities have promised to assess the total area of damaged crops, but an effective compensation mechanism has yet to be introduced.