Kazakhstan is experiencing a shortage of domestically produced potatoes, prompting the government to ramp up imports from China and Pakistan. The issue was highlighted during a recent government meeting, where discrepancies were found between reported and actual potato reserves in several regions, according to agricultural news agency APK News.
As of March 12, official reports indicated that 41.3 thousand tons of potatoes had been contracted for government stabilization funds. However, government inspections revealed significant discrepancies in actual stock levels across various regions.
For example, in the Mangystau region, only 25 tons of the reported 2,500 tons were confirmed. Similar shortfalls were found in the East Kazakhstan region (35 tons confirmed out of 1,600 reported), Atyrau region (110 tons out of 394), and Abai region (183 tons out of over 2,200). In Zhambyl region, just 308 tons were confirmed out of more than 2,600, while in Ulytau, 827 tons were verified out of 1,800. The West Kazakhstan region had a slightly better match, with over 1,300 tons confirmed out of the reported 2,300.
Due to these inconsistencies, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin issued reprimands to regional officials who failed to ensure accurate monitoring of potato reserves.
To address the shortage, Kazakhstan is actively importing potatoes from Pakistan and China at competitive prices. More than 4,000 tons have already been brought in through KTZ EXPRESS, with an additional 700 tons expected soon.
Meanwhile, potato prices have surged by 19.3% since the beginning of the year, while cabbage prices have risen by 23.2%.
Source: primeminister.kz