In early 2025, Kazakhstan recorded a significant rise in fresh vegetable prices, particularly during the off-season. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, although the country produces enough socially important food to meet both domestic demand and export needs, several factors have led to this seasonal increase.
Key reasons for the price hike include:
- Insufficient vegetable stocks in stabilization funds;
- Lack of coordinated imports through social-entrepreneurial corporations (SECs);
- Low levels of early harvest contracting;
- Retail markups above the legal threshold;
- Inefficient performance of regional commissions, especially in Atyrau, Almaty, and Zhetysu regions.
The Ministry said that low vegetable reserves during the off-season were the main reason for the price hikes. They also pointed to a lack of early-season produce and weak local enforcement of price rules as contributing factors.
The Ministry of Agriculture instructed local administrations to expand potato planting areas, including in three grain-producing regions.
Ministry of Trade officials emphasized the need for stronger coordination between agencies and tighter oversight of retail prices and supply chains. They also highlighted the importance of supporting local producers as imports continue to grow.
Despite stable overall production volumes, the Ministry said that without local-level coordination and timely action, price control mechanisms will remain ineffective.
Source: lsm.kz