Kazakhstan Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in kazakhstan, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Agricultural Sector
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Overview

Agriculture remains central to Kazakhstan’s economic and social development, employing over 11 percent of the workforce and supporting more than a third of the population. As Central Asia’s largest grain producer and exporter, Kazakhstan plays a vital role in global food supply. Animal husbandry is also significant, with 65 percent of agricultural land used for grazing sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, and camels. In 2024, agriculture contributed 3.94 percent to GDP, with output rising 13.7 percent due to favorable weather and a 21.1 percent increase in crop production.

Modernization of agricultural machinery is a national priority, as 80 percent of equipment has exceeded its lifecycle. The government offers subsidies up to 30 percent for locally assembled machinery and 25 percent for specialized imports, along with seven percent leasing rates. The machinery market was valued at $550 million in 2024, with $200 million in imports led by Russia, followed by the U.S., Germany, and others. Domestic production is growing through joint assembly projects, qualifying products for customs exemptions and subsidies. Kazakhstan is investing in livestock improvements through advanced breeding techniques and high-quality genetics to boost dairy, beef, poultry, and egg production. 

Aquaculture is expanding rapidly, growing from 1,900 tons in 2016 to over 18,000 tons in 2024, with plans to further scale using enhanced feed and water resources. Grain remains dominant, with wheat accounting for 80 percent of output. In 2024, wheat production rose 53.5 percent to 18.6 million tons, and barley increased 47 percent to 3.8 million tons, driven by large-scale farms in northern regions.

To support growth, KazAgroFinance JSC provides leasing and financing for over half of machinery imports and connects local producers to more than 400 global suppliers through its Electronic Supplier Base. With 10,500 supported projects, the platform plays a key role in linking Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector to international markets and driving long-term development.

Leading Sub-sectors

  • Agricultural chemicals and fertilizer application equipment
  • Grain machinery, storage, and processing technologies
  • Livestock genetics and seed improvements
  • Innovative technologies for poultry and veterinary services
  • Food processing equipment
  • Water-saving irrigation technology
  • Precision agriculture tools and technologies
  • Weather monitoring and forecasting systems for agriculture

Opportunities 

The Government of Kazakhstan aims to double gross agricultural output within five years by modernizing its agro-industrial complex through a comprehensive roadmap that includes diversifying crop production, reducing reliance on water-intensive crops, and increasing the cultivation of high-value crops like oilseeds. President Tokayev has emphasized transforming agriculture into a key driver of economic growth and food security, highlighting the sector’s strategic importance at the national level. These goals are supported by new policy approaches and international cooperation to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation in the sector. U.S. agricultural products are highly regarded in Kazakhstan, with current exports largely consisting of grain harvesting combines, tractors, sprayers, and reapers that support the country’s modernization efforts in farming. 

  • Machinery: Kazakhstan’s agricultural machinery needs vary by region, creating strong demand for U.S. equipment. In the south, 100–150 hp tractors and combines suit smaller farms adopting water-saving practices, while the north’s large-scale grain producers rely on 250+ hp machines. Rising crop output has also boosted demand for pneumatic seeders and grain drying and cleaning systems to support efficient planting and post-harvest processing.
  • Storage equipment and quality control systems: Kazakhstan’s food security strategy includes expanding vegetable and dairy storage facilities, creating opportunities for U.S. firms offering advanced storage and monitoring technologies.
  • Water-saving and irrigation technology: In response to water scarcity, Kazakhstan introduced water-saving systems on over 158,000 hectares in 2024, with subsidies and targets to expand coverage to 1.3 million hectares by 2030.

 

Engineering and design: Kazakhstan’s livestock sector is investing in modern breeding and processing infrastructure, supported by national programs and foreign partnerships to boost exports and rural development. Demand for U.S. food and agricultural imports also continues to grow, with interest in beef, poultry, tree nuts, alcoholic beverages, livestock genetics, and planting seeds.

Resources

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Agrarian Credit Corporation
  • KazAgroFinance
  • AgriTek/FarmTek 2026, 21st  International Exhibition for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Stock Breeding, March 10-12, 2026, Astana Kazakhstan

Contacts

For more information on agriculture equipment and services, contact Commercial Specialist Nurlan Zhangarin.
For agricultural commodities, contact USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Specialist Zhamal Zharmagambetova.

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