Investments in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan decreased by 30% in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Statistics data.

A new solution has been proposed to increase the yield and quality of rice - using biostimulants based on fermented chitin and rice bran. The experiment showed an increase in the yield of RD69 rice varieties by 73% and HGD by 30%, a decrease in the level of fast-absorbing glucose, and an increase in the content of antioxidants.

It is recommended to use the product for biological rice cultivation.

The opinion of the Grain Producers Association of Canada on the deal of Bunge's acquisition of Viterra: the Minister of Transport's decision does not ensure competition protection, selling part of the shares will not solve the problem, potential losses for farmers up to $770 million per year, the deal will cause issues in the market and will require review. Bunge will buy Viterra for $6.2 billion in stocks and $2 billion in cash.

The sunflower oil market in Ukraine is stable.

Exporting companies were interested in the oil stocks, which could affect purchasing prices. Consumers continue to show moderate interest, with prices ranging from 21000 to 23500 UAH per tonne including delivery.

Company "EPT" plans to supply 26 million tons of grain to Iran from 2024 to 2035, with the possibility of increasing the volume to 55 million tons. The agreement is signed with the Iranian company IranianEurasia.

The project aims to increase trade turnover and develop the "North-South" transportation corridor.

Algeria is building 350 new grain storage facilities to increase grain imports, particularly from Russia. The country plans to increase its grain storage capacity from 3.4 to 9 million tons. Experts highlight the advantages of Russian grain due to its quality and price, unlike French grain, whose shipments have decreased by 85%.

The international conference KazOil-2025 will be held in Astana with the support of NAPMK. The association unites enterprises in Kazakhstan to develop the oil and fat industry, ensuring the country's food security and strengthening exports.

In the 2024/25 year, the production of refined oil increased by 17%, while unrefined oil increased by more than 8,000 tons. NAPMK plans to increase the production of refined oil and launch new projects for its processing.

Sugar factories of Prodimeks Holding set a record in sugar beet production - 1 million tons. The processing plan is being followed, and the completion of production in different regions is scheduled for December 2025. Stavropolsakhar has already finished the season.

World wheat prices had different trends: soft wheat on CBOT rose, hard wheat on KCBT and MGE fell; corn prices increased, while rice prices dropped. Grain export quotas are being redistributed due to violations. The state fund purchased 881.6 thousand tons of grain, and the area under hard wheat will increase.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia has contacted the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia with a request to index prices for fertilizers. Manufacturers have proposed a 15% price increase starting from January 2025. The "frozen" prices will be in effect until May 2025.

Sunflower meal is a valuable product with a high protein content, essential in animal feeding. The raw protein content should be no less than 38% in dry matter. Searching for precise methods and research helps improve the quality of meal. [Source: Federal Center for Animal Health, Russia]

The International Grains Council (IGC) has revised down its forecast for global corn production by 7 million tonnes to 1.218 billion tonnes, below consumption levels in 2023/24. Consumption has risen to 1.239 billion tonnes.

The forecast for global corn exports in 2024/25 has increased to 181.6 million tonnes, with the largest growth expected in the US and Ukraine.

In 2024, the export of sunflower oil from the Krasnodar region increased by 37%. More than 1.8 million tons of oil were shipped to 21 countries, including India, Turkey, and Egypt.

The volume of supplies to Iran in 2023 accounted for 12% of the total export.

The minister has announced an increase in agricultural production in the Astrakhan region. The region is leading in the production of vegetables and potatoes. The ban on catching vimba chubs is explained by critical stock levels.

Development of rice cultivation is an important direction. Plans for the year 2025 have been discussed.

Rosselkhoznadzor has expressed concern over the violation of temporary restrictions on the import of Kazakh wheat into Russia. Cases of grain products being imported without direct transshipment have been registered, posing a risk of spreading harmful organisms. Compliance with quarantine and phytosanitary requirements is required.