Agriculture Minister: Kazakhstan Hits Record Cotton Output

Kazakh Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov has said that Kazakhstan achieved a record cotton harvest for the first time in 18 years.

Saparov made these remarks at a year-end media briefing, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

“In 2025, gross potato production reached 2.9 million tons, while cotton output totaled about 430,000 tons - the highest in 18 years,” Saparov said.

He attributed the milestone to a shift from traditional irrigation to drip irrigation, with 50,000 hectares of cotton fields using the method for the first time. Average yields rose to 30 c/ha, with some farms reaching up to 60 c/ha.

The minister also highlighted record legume production, totaling over 1.1 million tons, including 842,000 tons of lentils, 222,000 tons of peas, and 22,000 tons of chickpeas. Oilseed crop output reached 4.8 million tons.

Saparov added that efforts will continue diversifying agriculture, in line with presidential directives, to ensure proper crop rotation, preserve soil fertility, and reduce risks for farmers.