Kazakhstan won’t introduce ban on grain exports despite drought

Despite this year’s drought, there is no need for Kazakhstan to introduce a ban on grain exports, Newskaz.ru reports citing the country’s Agriculture Ministry. The Ministry’s press-release elaborates that given the drought, the gross grain harvest is expected at 14 million tons, with the average yield making up 8.7 metric centners per hectare. According to the State Agency for Statistics, last year’s grain carryover stands at 9.8 million tons. With the anticipated 14 million tons, 23.8 million will be enough to meet the domestic demand and export about 10 million tons, the press-release reads. According to the State Agency for Statistics, grain production in Kazakhstan in 2011 totaled 26.9 million tons (net weight), with exports potential standing at 15 million tons. Kazakhstan exported 5.9 million tons of grain in the 2010-2011 marketing year. This figure included grain equivalent of exported flour (2.5 million tons). The grain was traditionally exported to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. According to the Government’s web-site, grain harvest in 2010 totaled 12.2 million tons (net weight). Grain harvest of 2009 made up 22.7 million tons (bunker weight).