Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s potato cultivation is primarily concentrated in the north-eastern and south-eastern regions, notably in East Kazakhstan, Almaty, Akmola, and Karaganda, where the continental climate, fertile soils, and access to irrigation enable stable yields. The combination of harsh winters, dry summers, and relatively disease-free conditions makes these zones especially favorable for producing both ware and high-quality seed potatoes. Early-season production is also gaining traction in Turkestan and Aktobe, supplying domestic markets and export destinations in Central Asia.

Major potato varieties grown include locally bred cultivars such as ‘Janaisan’, known for its high resistance to viral and wart diseases, alongside European varieties like ‘Gala’ introduced by Norika, which have shown promise in improving yields and reducing input costs. The Kazakh Research Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing (KRIPVG), located in the Almaty region, is the national center for potato research. It conserves over 2,250 germplasm samples from 40 countries and develops new varieties suited to Kazakhstan’s diverse agro-climatic zones.