The potato harvest in Kazakhstan's Zhetysu region is progressing steadily despite a season marked by extreme heat and rising production costs. Local farm Alim Agro, cultivating 55 hectares of potatoes, says yields remain close to average thanks to irrigation and modern agronomic support.
"Temperatures reached 35°C in summer, but drip irrigation and timely treatments helped us secure good growth," explained farm manager Talap Medeubaev. The farm relies on water from two wells and uses Belgian harvesting machinery to ensure efficiency during the busy season.
Yields vary strongly by variety. Early potatoes produced 40–45 tonnes per hectare, while later-maturing varieties like Arizona are expected to reach up to 60–65 tonnes. "For us, 40 tonnes is only a minimal profit at the current price of around 120 tenge (€0.23) per kilo. A fair price would be closer to 150 tenge (€0.29)," Medeubaev noted.
Quality has been a positive outcome of the season. Potatoes are large, uniform, with smooth skin and improved storability. "Customers choose with their eyes. This year, tubers look much better than before," the grower said. However, due to limited storage facilities, most of the crop is sold directly from the field to buyers.
Alim Agro collaborated this year with specialists from Eridon Kazakhstan on seed treatments and stress-protection programs. This included pre-planting applications and foliar biostimulants, which improved emergence and skin quality.
Looking ahead, the farm plans to refine variety selection, as some cultivars proved less tolerant to heat. Experts also emphasize the importance of tackling weeds and improving resilience against weather extremes.
Despite higher input costs, with seeds and crop protection largely imported from Europe. "Potatoes are a rewarding crop. With the right technology and planning, we can maintain both yield and quality," said Viktor Sverida, technical director at Eridon Kazakhstan.
For now, Kazakhstan's potato supply appears stable, easing concerns after price spikes earlier this year.
Source: eldala.kz