Kazakhstan adjusts balances for onions and potatoes: focus on export and reduction of import dependency

The Research Bureau "Cereals and Oilseed Crops. Kazakhstan" in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan has updated the balance forecasts for onions and potatoes for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 marketing years. According to the updated data, in 2025/26, a significant increase in onion exports is expected to reach 111 thousand tons (up from 85 thousand tons the previous year). Conversely, imports may decrease to 100 thousand tons, indicating a reduction in dependence on external supplies. Onion consumption by the population will continue to grow: from 724 thousand tons to 867 thousand tons, or from 36 to 42 kg per capita. The 2024 harvest is expected to be within average annual values, with a sown area of 23.5 thousand hectares. The growth in consumption and the recovery of exports will be accompanied by a moderate expansion of production and domestic processing. The forecast for potatoes in 2025/26 shows a decrease in domestic consumption and ...