In 2023, Kazakhstan's rice production fell by 8.4% to 205.1 thousand tons, with the Kyzylorda region contributing 92% of the total. The country's rice farmers met 87.7% of the demand, a decrease from 95.7% the previous year, leading to increased imports. This decline is attributed to a reduction in rice fields due to water scarcity. Despite this, the Association of Rice Producers and Processors does not foresee a shortage or price increase. The majority of the country's rice exports, 98.4%, were sent to CIS countries, with Uzbekistan being the primary recipient.