Low yields and low grain quality of wheat and barley in Kazakhstan

In August and September, frequent and abundant rainfall hampered the harvest of spring cereals in northern and eastern regions, further reducing harvest­able yield and severely diminishing grain quality. The yield outlook for maize is close to the 5-year average.

Hot and drier-than-usual conditions negatively impacted winter wheat

In the main winter wheat producing areas in South Kazakhstan, after a favourable start to the season, a considerable rainfall deficit and heatwaves in June and July led to inadequate water supply, with negative impacts on biomass accumulation and yield formation. Winter wheat in East Kazakhstan and most of North Kazakhstan was severely affected by drought during the grain-filling period. Somewhat more favourable weather conditions benefited crops in North-West Kazakhstan. At national level, yield expectations are below the 5-year average.

Drought followed by excessive rainfall diminished yield potential and grain quality of spring wheat and barley

The main spring cereal producing regions of North Kazakhstan (except Kustanayskaya oblast) also suffered from drought during the summer, resulting in below-average yield expectations. Additionally, abundant and persistent rainfall in late August and early September prohibited access to the fields. This caused delays to the harvest, resulting in yield losses and considerable deterioration in grain quality, primarily due to sprouting in the ear. In many regions, the overdue harvest is still ongoing.

Fair yield expectations for grain maize

Grain maize, which is confined to South Kazakhstan and generally irrigated, presented well advanced crop development and slightly lower-than-usual biomass. The yield forecast is slightly below the 5-year average.

Further information

JRC MARS (Monitoring Agricultural Resources) Bulletins

JRC AGRI4CAST Toolbox

The latest information about global agricultural production hotspots for countries at risk of food insecurity is available on the JRC’s ASAP (Anomaly hot Spots of Agricultural Production).