Kazakhstan: Wheat Production and the Yield Gap

In Kazakhstan, all major wheat growing areas are tightly clustered in the northern most steppe region that encompasses the oblasts of Akmola, Kostanay, and North Kazakhstan (Figure 1). The harsh continental climate of Kazakhstan's northern steppe zone is characterized by extreme cold winter temperatures and substantial winds that can remove the protective snow cover-which generally is essential for the survival of winter crops- from the ground. This greatly increases the risk of winterkill and has led farmers to focus primarily on spring wheat cultivation. Spring wheat, thus, dominates production, accounting for about 95 percent of total output and harvested area (Table 1). Planting typically begins in May, once soil temperatures are consistently positive, the risk of frost is minimized, and soil moisture reserves have been replenished by the melting snow. Wheat harvest in Kazakhstan takes place between August and September.

Winter wheat represents only a small share of the total (Table 1). It is primarily grown in the warmer oblasts of Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Almaty. Harvested area has remained relatively stable at around 600,000 hectares. Yields are higher than those of spring wheat, which is expected given the longer growing season. Planting typically occurs between October and November, with harvest taking place from June to August.

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