New rice varieties to be grown in Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda region

By  Trend

In the next 3-4 years, new varieties of rice will account for 60-70 percent of rice fields in the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan.

To date, the Syr Suluy and Ai-Kerim varieties of rice passed state testing in the region. Following the results of these tests, work has begun on the development of new varieties, Kazinform reported.

"These varieties are fully adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the region. In addition, their grain is distinguished by evenness, size. Therefore, it is time to use them," said Serikbay Omirzakov, General Director of the Kazakh Rice Research Institute.

Kazakh scientists have also developed several varieties of barley, wheat and clover.

Kazakhstan is fully self-sufficient in rice. Up to 80 percent of this crop is produced in the Kyzylorda region.

Export of Kazakh rice in January-July this year amounted to 51,600 tons and $14.6 million – this is an increase by a third in monetary terms.

During the reporting period, most of Kazakhstan's rice was purchased by Russia and Tajikistan – 19,900 and 14,800 tons, respectively. The main importers of the Kazakh rice are also Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.