Barley becomes more important in the Kazakhstan agricultural structure
In the structure of Kazakhstan’s agriculture, barley becomes more and more important. This is a consequence of the diversification of wheat, in order to increase the yield of other crops. Also, there is an increase in the overall average yield in the country, and it should be noted that the yield of barley also reached record levels in the last six years.
As of October 1, 2017, the amount of barley was 2.240.234 tons, which is 12.4% higher that the figures for the same period last year. As of October 1, 2016 the amount of barley was 1.993 thousand tons, in 2015 – 1.427 thousand tons, in 2014 – 1.351 thousand tons, in 2013 – 1.269 thousand tons, and in 2012 this figure did not even exceed the amount of 1 million tons and amounted to only 853.796 tons.
But the main indicator that characterizes the increase in importance is still the share of barley in the country’s grain reserves. In 2012, this figure was 5.5% of all grain stocks in the country, and in 2017 the share of barley is 12.44%.
The growth of barley exports from Kazakhstan is a promising trend that provides great opportunities for economic development and an increase in export supplies from the country. However, on the way to the growth of production and export of barley, there are some problems that need to be addressed.
One of the main problems is the limited area for sowing barley in Kazakhstan. Most of the land is occupied by crops of wheat and corn, therefore, in order to increase the area under barley, it is necessary to make certain changes in agricultural policy.
In addition, the quality of barley produced in Kazakhstan is also one of the problems. To increase export supplies, it is necessary to improve the quality of products, which is possible only with the use of modern technologies and equipment.
Despite these problems, Kazakhstan has great prospects in the export of barley and can become a leader among the exporters of this crop. To do this, it is necessary to carry out certain measures aimed at increasing the area under crops, improving the quality of products and developing infrastructure for export.