Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 11, 2026)

Kazakhstan

1. Juice imports down nearly 23%

Kazakhstan's juice output and consumption keep declining, while carbonated drinks remain more popular with consumers. According to Energoprom.kz, in the first half of 2026 per-capita consumption of carbonated beverages reached 5.25 litres — about 1.5 times the 3.41 litres of fruit juice. From January to August 2026, domestic enterprises produced 45.4 million litres of fruit and vegetable juice, down 9.4% year on year. Fruit juice output fell 8.3% to 43.3 million litres, while vegetable juice dropped 30.2% to 1.9 million litres. Among the main categories, only orange juice grew — up 17.4% to 21.6 million litres over the first eight months, close to half of total fruit juice output. Apple juice fell 23.8% to 10.4 million litres, mixed juice 19.2% to 6.7 million litres, and pineapple juice 8.7% to 1.5 million litres. From January to July, Kazakhstan imported 26,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetable juice, down 22.9% year on year; over the same period domestic output by weight fell 11.8% to 45,200 tonnes. As imports shrank, the domestic producers' share of the juice market rose from 60.3% to 63.5%. Domestic sales also slipped: 70,300 tonnes in the first seven months, down 15% from a year earlier. On the export side, juice shipments fell to 980.6 tonnes, about 40% of the year-earlier volume. Kyrgyzstan remained the largest export market at 664.9 tonnes, followed by Russia, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Russia stayed the top supplier, with 18,100 tonnes (nearly 70% of imports); other main suppliers were China, the Netherlands and Israel. In the first half of 2026, per-capita fruit juice consumption of 3.41 litres was below the 3.6 litres a year earlier — the second consecutive annual decline. Prices kept climbing: in September 2026 juice prices were up 9.7% year on year. Regionally, Mangistau posted the biggest increase at 25.3%, with Ulytau and Kyzylorda at 20.3% and 19.6%.

Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-09

2. Fats-and-oils exports targeted at US$1.5 billion by 2028

Kazakhstan is steadily building the export potential of its fats-and-oils industry, prioritising deep processing of domestic raw materials and production of high-value-added finished goods. The plan is to lift fats-and-oils export revenue to US$1.5 billion by 2028 — a 60% increase over current levels — by expanding production capacity, increasing raw-material supply, developing transport and logistics infrastructure and further opening up foreign markets. Over the past five market seasons, sector export earnings grew fivefold, from US$247 million to US$1.232 billion. Last year the industry accounted for 27% of total exports of processed agricultural products, underscoring the growing role of downstream processing in Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex. Refining capacity of the country's oil processors already exceeds 5.2 million tonnes a year, and with new investment projects capacity is set to rise further. In 2025 Kazakhstan became the world's sixth-largest sunflower-oil exporter and China's second-largest supplier of sunflower oil; in the 2024/25 season it also ranked among China's top five canola-oil suppliers. It is one of the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to the EU and Chinese markets and meets a sizeable share of Central Asian demand. Trade ties with neighbours are strengthening: Kazakhstan is now a leading supplier of vegetable oil to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan — its share rose from 13% in 2017 to 65% in 2024 in Uzbekistan and to over 90% in 2025; in Tajikistan the share went from 15% in 2017 to 74% in 2024 and over 90% in 2025. Fats-and-oils products are exported to more than 20 countries and territories, mainly China, Central Asian states, EU members and the Middle East. Kazakhstan's long-term goal is to join the world's top three sunflower-oil exporters and lift annual sector export earnings to US$2 billion. Expanding domestic raw-material supply is essential: since 2021 sunflower acreage has grown 2.3-fold, from 958,000 hectares to a record 2.2 million hectares in 2026, though processor demand still outstrips supply. Another effective lever is direct financing from processors to farmers — for spring fieldwork, seed, fertiliser and crop-protection inputs; in 2025 alone more than 43 billion tenge was channelled this way, strengthening the farm-to-processing-to-export chain. Positioned at the crossroads of trade routes linking China, Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Kazakhstan benefits geographically. The national oilseed processors' association is coordinating rail shipments of vegetable oil through the Dostyk–Alashankou crossing with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy; under this mechanism the fulfilment rate of China shipment plans rose from under 40% in 2023 to over 90%, and over the past three seasons exports of fats-and-oils products to China grew more than 3.7-fold. Developing the sector is a key lever for economic diversification and expanding non-resource exports.

Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-12

3. Grain threshing reaches 23 million tonnes; exports up 13%

At a government meeting on 13 October, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov said crop farming had posted positive results in the first nine months. Grain output has reached 23 million tonnes to date. Despite a harsh growing season and a planned 1.8-million-hectare cut in wheat area, total grain production is still expected to exceed the long-term average. Oilseed harvesting is accelerating — 3.7 million tonnes threshed so far, 2.5 times the year-earlier figure — and the full-season oilseed harvest is expected to exceed the record 5 million tonnes. Vegetables have also done well: 3.1 million tonnes of vegetables, 2.9 million tonnes of potatoes and about 2.4 million tonnes of melons gathered. Total grain and legume area this year reached 15.6 million hectares, with 96% now harvested and an average yield of 15.2 centners per hectare. Leading grain regions posted average yields of 17 centners/ha in North Kazakhstan, 14 in Akmola and 14.2 in Kostanay. Grain quality is good: over 72.4% of wheat delivered to elevators rated as Class III. New-crop exports are off to a strong start — 1.1 million tonnes shipped by end-September, up 13% year on year — making it vital to keep intake facilities running, move grain promptly and use logistics capacity efficiently.

Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-13

4. Wheatgrass juice to be exported to Russia and the UAE

According to the Agriculture Ministry, production potential in Aktobe region is growing. Since 2016, Green Vitamin has produced 100% natural wheatgrass juice from young wheat shoots it cultivates itself, giving the company full control over raw-material quality and a fully optimised production cycle. It currently makes up to 3,000 packs a month and can raise that to 10,000. Its products are sold across all regions of Kazakhstan. Exports are crucial: Green Vitamin already supplies the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai), and is finalising a contract with Belarus — a move expected to widen the overseas reach and competitiveness of Kazakh-made products.

Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-14

Kyrgyzstan

1. First national satellite in orbit to monitor crops and pastures

Kyrgyzstan's first national satellite has reached orbit. Manas Manbetaliyev, head of the Agriculture Ministry's "Agrarnaya Mysl" (Agricultural Mind) agency, told Kabar that the satellite will use remote-sensing data to monitor agricultural land, crops and pastures regularly and objectively. The data will determine actual sown areas, track crop development and flag zones showing drought, water shortages or other stress; monitoring can deliver fresh readings of farmland conditions weekly and follow changes across large areas. Experts can then run field checks and adjust irrigation and other agronomic measures in time. The indicators are also planned for preliminary yield assessment, combining weather and crop-type data to analyse growth dynamics across the season. Satellite information is to be integrated with the "iDyikan" system and the digital land registry so the sector can compare declared land and sowing data against reality, spot discrepancies and improve accuracy. Manbetaliyev said the expected economic benefit comes first from more efficient land and water use; better data will help plan irrigation, forecast yields and allocate state support more rationally.

Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-02

2. Autumn harvest nearing completion; grain up 714,000 tonnes vs 2025

Preliminary data from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry show that in 2026 Kyrgyzstan harvested about 2.5 million tonnes of grain and 965,000 tonnes of potatoes — up 714,000 and 317,000 tonnes respectively from a year earlier — with the autumn campaign nearing completion. The Chui region leads in grain: wheat and barley harvesting is virtually done, grain-corn output exceeded 671,000 tonnes (nearly double last year), vegetables reached 891,000 tonnes and melons 240,000 tonnes; potatoes remain concentrated in Issyk-Kul. Sugar beet is about one-third harvested with an average yield of 420 centners/ha, and in the south cotton harvesting is more than twice as fast as last year, with over 16,000 tonnes delivered to collection points. The ministry said the larger harvest helps secure domestic food supply and provides raw material for processing.

Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-14

3. Plan to allocate 800 million som to buy beans from farmers

At a Jogorku Kenesh session, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov, replying to a deputy's question on bean prices, said the authorities are considering allocating 800 million som to support purchases of beans from farmers, with a decision expected within 7–10 days. Under the mechanism under review, red beans would be bought at 100 som/kg and white beans at 130–135 som/kg, prices already agreed with the private sector. The minister noted the funds would cover only part of the expected harvest: Talas region alone produces about 70,000–80,000 tonnes a year, and 800 million som would buy roughly 8,000 tonnes — about 10% of the expected total. Akunbekov said bean cultivation is costly and yields are low, at about 15 centners/ha (1,500 kg); one of the ministry's tasks is to raise the efficiency of agricultural land, and lifting bean yields to 40–60 centners/ha would improve farmers' economics.

Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-14

Uzbekistan

1. Mirziyoyev proposes food-cooperation programme for landlocked countries

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a food-cooperation programme starting with Central Asia and bringing together landlocked countries and their transit partners. The proposal appeared in his address to participants of the International Cotton Day and Food Security in Developing Landlocked Countries conference, published on 7 October 2026. He also called on international financial institutions and private investors to join projects in food processing, refrigerated storage and transport. "We stand for full freedom of logistics and trade in food products and for simplifying the rules governing food supplies," the address said. The head of state set a goal of doubling food output by 2030 and tripling exports and added value; to that end, Uzbekistan will strengthen cooperation with international organisations and foreign countries. Mirziyoyev noted that climate change, water shortages, drought and logistics disruptions are pushing food prices up, citing FAO data that over 645 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, with experts warning the number could reach 1 billion by 2028 without action. He said International Cotton Day helps raise Uzbekistan's investment appeal and present it as a reliable partner; scientists, experts and entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries and many international organisations attended the forums.

Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-07

2. Fergana grapes exported to South Korea for the first time

Grapes from Uzbekistan's Fergana region are being exported to South Korea for the first time. Local company Quva-Agro Star plans to ship 300 tonnes in modern packaging. In preparation, South Korean specialists inspected the company's operations, grape pre-export handling and fumigation procedures, after which a supply plan was agreed. According to the Fergana region administration, the region exported 98,664 tonnes of grapes worth US$97.5 million in 2025, and 80,000 tonnes worth US$63 million in 2026. Besides South Korea, Fergana grapes go to European countries, Belarus, China, Russia, Iraq, Ukraine and other markets. Entering South Korea broadens the region's export map and creates more opportunities for local growers.

Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-11

3. Cotton: 76% of crop harvested

By 12 October, Uzbekistan had harvested 3.4 million tonnes of raw cotton — 76% of the season's contractual target of 4.5 million tonnes, the Agriculture Ministry reported. Machine harvesting accounted for 2.6 million tonnes and hand-picking 848,000 tonnes, about 75% mechanised. Of the hand-picked cotton, 174,000 tonnes came from field edges (cleared to let machines turn and operate) and 674,000 tonnes from small plots machines cannot enter. About 3,000 high-capacity cotton pickers are in use, and more than 1,000 modern pickers were leased to farms and clusters this year. On 12 October alone, machines harvested 147,000 tonnes, averaging about 50 tonnes per machine. Harvesting continues.

Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-13

Tajikistan

1. 60,000-bird broiler farm commissioned in Khatlon

On 4 October, President Emomali Rahmon remotely commissioned a broiler farm in Pushiyoni Miyona village, Khudoyor Rajabov rural community, Vose district, Khatlon region, as part of 21 facilities launched that day. Designed to raise up to 60,000 birds and produce chicken meat, the farm aims to increase meat output and supply the domestic market, and created 10 jobs. Poultry is an important part of Tajikistan's agriculture, with domestic producers supplying meat and other poultry products; Vose is an agricultural district of Khatlon where livestock and cropping form part of the local economy.

Source: Presidency of the Republic of Tajikistan | Date: 2026-10-05

2. Sughd region: 39,700 tonnes of raw cotton, 33.4% of plan

Data from Tajikistan's Agency of Statistics show that by 12 October Sughd region had collected over 39,700 tonnes of raw cotton, 33.4% of the planned delivery. Jabbor Rasulov district had delivered over 5,400 tonnes (47.8% of its 11,300-tonne plan) and Spitamen district about 5,700 tonnes (43.9% of its 13,000-tonne seasonal plan). Among rural communities, Panjakent's (Kanibadam) Patar community performed best. At an award ceremony for first-stage harvesting-competition winners, Sughd governor Rajab Ahmadjoda noted this year's difficult weather — a rainy spring and temperature swings delayed farmers' start — yet despite repeated reseeding farms still achieved good yields; the tougher task now is to finish before the cold sets in. He expressed confidence Sughd would deliver no less than 120,000 tonnes to meet industrial demand.

Source: Sputnik Tajikistan (Спутник Таджикистан) | Date: 2026-10-12

3. Dushanbe agri-cooperation meeting on eco-produce exports

On 12 October, Agriculture Minister Qurbon Hakimzoda met representatives of development partners. Reported by Khovar, the meeting discussed securing domestic market supply, expanding production capacity, increasing exports of eco-clean agricultural products to world markets, and applying international best practices in agriculture. Per the Agriculture Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on mutually beneficial cooperation, attracting investment, joint projects and adapting international experience. Participants noted that global agribusiness is strained by climate change, more frequent natural disasters, limited water and land, volatile world food markets, rising input costs and supply-chain disruptions — pressures Tajikistan cannot escape. Given its climate and water dependence, sustainable development, higher efficiency, modern methods and food security are especially important.

Source: Khovar (Ховар) / Agriculture Ministry | Date: 2026-10-13

Turkmenistan

1. State Exchange: five cotton and yarn deals on 1 October

Turkmenistan's State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SCRMET) reported new cotton and yarn trades, confirming textiles remain one of the country's most active export channels and a key source of hard-currency trade. In the 1 October session, five deals were concluded — cotton fibre sold to Turkish buyers, cretonne cotton fabric to Kyrgyz entrepreneurs, and cotton yarn on the domestic market — for a total of 11.2 million manat and US$6.7 million. Beyond the headline figures, cotton stays a core agricultural and industrial commodity, and every session that clears textile contracts turns crop output into export revenue and industrial activity. The buyer mix matters: Turkish demand for fibre shows continued regional appetite for textile input, Kyrgyz purchases of fabric show Turkmen textiles finding markets in neighbouring Central Asian economies, and domestic yarn sales show the internal textile chain is still being fed. Analysts note that as long as the exchange keeps clearing fibre, fabric and yarn, Turkmenistan retains a practical channel to convert domestic production into tradable income — though cotton markets remain exposed to weather, price swings and shifts in regional demand, and concentration risk persists.

Source: SCRMET / TDH (TDH) | Date: 2026-10-01

2. Cabinet sums up nine months: GDP +6.3%, agriculture +4.1%

On 2 October, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a digital Cabinet meeting summing up the first nine months. GDP growth was 6.3%. The budget revenue side was executed at 100.1% and expenditure at 97.2%. Versus a year earlier, output rose 9.9%, retail trade 10.5%, foreign trade 8.3% and utilised capital investment 3.5%. All sectors posted gains: transport and communications +10.4%, trade and services +8.4% each, construction +6.7%, agriculture +4.1%, industry +3%. The agro-industrial complex's production growth reached 124.2% and the investment-utilisation plan 144.2%. Cotton harvesting and winter-wheat sowing continue across the regions. The oil and gas plan was overfulfilled: oil extraction 109.1%, refining 106.8%, natural and associated gas 109.1%. The president instructed the government to keep steady GDP growth, step up work on the 2027 draft budget, accelerate seasonal farm work and develop transport infrastructure comprehensively.

Source: TDH (TDH) | Date: 2026-10-02