The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a six-month prohibition on potato exports to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to maintain stability in domestic potato prices, according to a ministry announcement on Sunday. This measure comes in response to a 1.5-fold increase in potato exports due to heightened demand from neighboring nations and elevated export prices this year, impacting local markets. The ministry clarified that the ban would not affect EAEU member states, aiming to curb speculative price surges and safeguard market equilibrium. It emphasized that the current potato reserves, surpassing 850,000 tons excluding retail chain stocks, are adequate to fulfill domestic needs until the harvest of early 2025.
Kazakhstan, a key player in Central Asia's potato market, relies on advanced agricultural techniques such as irrigation and mechanization to support its potato cultivation. The country's main potato-producing areas—North Kazakhstan, Akmola, Karaganda, and East Kazakhstan—enjoy optimal soil conditions and sufficient irrigation, contributing to the nation's status as a prominent potato producer in the region. With a mix of large-scale commercial farms and smallholder operations, Kazakhstan's potato industry is a critical component of its agricultural sector.
Source: IANS Business