The proposed three-month ban on carrot exports, including to EAEU countries, suggested by the government, may lead to significant losses for farmers, as well as to unharvested crops and abandonment of planting in the coming year. A final decision is expected to be made at the next meeting of the interdepartmental commission, as reported by the newspaper "Vremya".
According to Baizhan Ualkhanov, chairman of the Union of Potato and Vegetable Growers of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Trade and Integration (MTI) is trying to reduce prices for agricultural products using the most ineffective method.
— The ministry is trying to lower prices by any means, expanding the list of socially significant goods from 19 to 33 items, which may lead to the closure of small stores, — Ualkhanov believes. — It is important to note that the ministry is trying to tackle the problem through an export ban, which is a primitive solution.
He also emphasizes that this case involves unprecedented measures — the ban on carrot exports affects not only third countries but also EAEU countries, which has not happened before. Ualkhanov notes that the trade logistics developed over the years creates additional problems:
— The southern regions of Kazakhstan purchase carrots from suppliers in Volgograd, while Russian Siberia, on the contrary, buys Kazakh carrots. Cities like Omsk and Tyumen have always found it more convenient to source carrots from Pavlodar, as it is closer and cheaper.
If the export is banned, Russia, according to him, will easily redirect internal flows and occupy Kazakh markets. This year, there is overproduction of both potatoes and carrots in both Kazakhstan and Russia.
— The domestic market of Kazakhstan is oversaturated; farmers cannot sell carrots even at 80 tenge per kilogram, and stocks in the Pavlodar region exceed 120 thousand tons, — emphasizes Ualkhanov, adding that carrots have a limited shelf life.
— Carrots have worse storage capabilities compared to potatoes. In April, we will be forced to throw away unsold carrots, and what are farmers supposed to do until then? Bear losses on storage without any revenue, only to throw everything away later? — the speaker questions.
Some farmers are already considering the possibility of disposing of their harvest now, as the domestic market is not buying products at a decent price:
— Many of them are already excluding carrots from their plans for next year. Next year there will be a real shortage, as up to 50% of producers plan to abandon its planting. Unlike the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade is not responsible for agricultural production, but systematically undermines the production process itself. If tomorrow carrots end up in a landfill, the responsibility will be placed on the Ministry of Agriculture, and if there are not enough carrots next year, again on the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Ministry of Trade will simply open duty-free imports and fill the market with Chinese and Russian carrots!
Zeynulla Salmenbaev, head of the "Andas" farm in the Pavlodar region, expresses an even harsher stance:
— This is pure sabotage! We cannot sell our carrots as the market is oversaturated with Russian products. The most absurd thing is that no one has banned the import of Russian carrots. They will continue to flow into Kazakhstan while we are being told we cannot export our carrots. It is easier for the Ministry of Trade to ban exports since it does not answer to farmers. The main thing is to keep prices low.
Salmenbaev also notes that the difference between the prices at which producers sell carrots and retail prices remains significant. Farmers sell carrots for 70-80 tenge, while they cost 170 tenge on the shelves. In the case of potatoes, the situation is similar: the price from the farmer is 120-130 tenge, while in stores it is 260-300 tenge.
— These markups are not ours but are added by retail outlets. But no one is fighting this! What kind of Ministry of Trade is it if it cannot deal with trade? The agency does not want to interact with stores and simply punishes producers by imposing export bans. This is the easiest way, the consequences of which fall on farmers who sell products at minimal prices! The Ministry of Trade should be closed; it only hinders! Before its appearance, it was easier for farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture explains the possible ban on carrot exports by referring to statistics. According to the agency, this decision is due to the need to maintain a balance of production, stocks, and consumption within the country.
According to information provided to the newspaper "Vremya" by the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2025, Kazakhstan harvested 407.8 thousand tons of carrots with a need for 468 thousand tons.
“As of January 8, carrot stocks amount to 156.2 thousand tons. Due to high demand from neighboring countries, exports have increased 3.1 times — to 94.7 thousand tons, while imports have decreased to 32.3 thousand tons,” the ministry stated. — “In order to prioritize the domestic market and curb prices, the interdepartmental commission is considering the possibility of introducing a temporary ban on carrot exports. A final decision has not yet been made.”
However, agrarians disagree with this logic, arguing that dry numbers do not reflect the real situation in the fields and warehouses.
— I personally spoke with the chairman of the trade committee of the Ministry of Trade. I asked them to visit the warehouses and see how they are overflowing with carrots and potatoes. But unfortunately, they do not wish to do this! They take exports into account but do not consider the harvest and actual stocks, — says Baizhan Ualkhanov, head of the Union of Potato and Vegetable Growers of the country.
The media also sought comments from the Ministry of Trade and Integration, to which farmers have many questions and complaints. The agency emphasized that the main direction for carrots in Kazakhstan is the domestic market, not exports.
“The issue of ensuring the domestic market and stabilizing prices was discussed at the meeting of the interdepartmental commission. Considering the current situation and the positions of government agencies (including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade), response measures have been developed. Local executive bodies together with the SPK can support farmers through preferential lending and forward purchases for stabilization funds.
If necessary, farmers can contact akimats for support under the current legislation.
Assistance with the sale of products on the domestic market is also planned, similar to 2023, when specialized fairs were held. A “green corridor” will operate to further saturate the market. In addition, the issue of early lifting of export restrictions remains open and can be considered if there is an oversupply of products at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture,” the agency reported.
