On August 12, 2025, the grain harvest season officially ended in Shymkent. For local farmers, this year was one of the most difficult in the last decade: spring and the first half of summer were dry, which seriously complicated work in the fields. Despite the climate tests, farmers were able to complete the harvest on time and get a harvest, providing the region with a stable supply of food grain.

According to the city department of agriculture and veterinary science, about 10.9 thousand hectares of land were sown with grain crops this year, most of which was wheat, and about 600 hectares were barley. The average yield was about 10 centners per hectare. This figure is slightly lower than last year, when it was possible to collect 12-13 centners, but in the conditions of an abnormally dry spring, the result is considered decent.

In the 2025 season, farmers actively used modern technologies and adapted agricultural practices to minimize losses and preserve grain quality. One of the key solutions was the use of moisture-saving technologies that allow water to be retained in the soil and support plants during hot periods. Sowing and harvesting were carried out at strictly defined times to make the most of favorable weather windows. Special fertilizers helped increase plant resistance to drought and preserve the harvest even with minimal precipitation.

As a result, the total volume of grain collected amounted to about 66 thousand tons. This stock will be used both for the city's internal needs and to ensure price stability in the flour and bread market. In addition, after the harvest was completed, many farms began sowing safflower - an oilseed crop that has been in high demand in recent years and is profitable for export.

Safflower is unpretentious and can grow in conditions of limited irrigation, which makes it especially relevant for regions prone to drought. For Shymkent, this is also an opportunity to diversify agricultural production, reducing dependence on weather conditions during the period of growing traditional grains.

Compared to previous years, the situation looks contrasting. In 2024, the weather conditions were much milder: precipitation was regular, and the yield was higher. However, modern methods and equipment were not yet fully used. In 2023, due to equipment wear and tear and a lack of sufficient funding, many farms faced delays in sowing and harvesting, which reduced the overall volume of grain. In 2025, farmers relied on upgrading their agricultural machinery fleet, introducing drip irrigation and precise soil moisture control systems. These measures had a tangible effect.

Scientific support also played an important role. Employees of agricultural research centers together with farmers tested new varieties of wheat and barley that are more resistant to arid climates. Experimental fields showed that the introduction of such varieties can increase crop yields by 10-15% even in unfavorable years. It is expected that in the coming years these developments will be widely introduced into agricultural production in the region.

State support was not left out either. During the sowing campaign, farmers received subsidized diesel fuel, which allowed them to reduce the costs of carrying out the work. Also, as part of agricultural development programs, some farmers received compensation for the purchase of machinery and equipment for minimal soil cultivation. From 2026, it is planned to reduce the tax burden on owners of agricultural land, which will allow more funds to be directed to modernizing production.

It is worth noting separately that the grain harvest in 2025 was a test of strength for farmers. The need to work in conditions of high temperatures and minimal precipitation required maximum discipline and competent planning. Each stage - from soil preparation to harvest transportation - was carried out taking into account weather forecasts and analysis of crop conditions.

Experts are confident that this year's experience will be useful for future seasons. In the coming years, farmers plan to more actively implement precision farming technologies, expand areas for drought-resistant crops and develop irrigation systems. All this should strengthen food security in Shymkent and increase the income of agricultural producers.

Thus, the 2025 season, despite the difficulties, showed that the coordinated work of farmers, scientists and government agencies can bring results even in unfavorable conditions. The ability to adapt to climate challenges, implement innovations and use resources efficiently became the guarantee that the harvest was collected on time and in sufficient volume.