Kazakhstan expands watermelon and melon exports as Turkestan region raises output
Kazakhstan exported more than 107,500 tonnes of watermelons and melons last year, nearly half more than a year earlier, according to 24KZ. Russia remains a key destination, while producers are also targeting nearby European Union markets.
Exports rise and destinations broaden
Kazakhstan is increasing exports of watermelons and melons, with the Turkestan region accounting for the largest share of outbound shipments, 24KZ reported. The country’s produce is sold to Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and Mongolia, while industry representatives see additional potential in the European Union, particularly the Baltic states.
Kazakh growers exported more than 107,500 tonnes of melons and watermelons last year. That was nearly half more than a year earlier. Shipments during the first five months of this year were almost 2.5 times the level recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, showing that export growth continued ahead of the main harvest season.
Despite the increase, exports represent no more than 4%-5% of total output, according to Bauyrzhan Akhmetayev, deputy director of the agro-industrial complex and food industry department at the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. He said last year’s shipments were about 40% higher than in 2024 and argued that the industry still has room to expand. Baltic countries already buy certain volumes each year and could provide a practical route into the EU market because of their relative proximity to Kazakhstan.
Turkestan targets a 1.4 million-tonne harvest
Production growth is concentrated in the Turkestan region. Local farmers have planted 42,000 hectares with melons and 20,000 hectares with watermelons. Specialists forecast that the region’s growers will harvest 1.4 million tonnes this year, while producers are targeting yields of up to 400 centners per hectare. The first 220 tonnes from the regional crop have already been shipped to Russia.
One Turkestan farm has allocated 15 hectares to melon crops. Its Zarabina variety, planted on March 25, requires 65 days to reach full maturity and is being shipped mainly to Russia. The grower told 24KZ that switching to drip irrigation had reduced water use and increased yields. Such cultivation, irrigation and fertilizer practices are central to the country’s effort to raise production without relying only on additional planted area.
Kazakhstan’s total watermelon and melon area exceeded 83,000 hectares this year, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. The reported area was larger a year earlier, although the previous figure included data from individual farmers that are not covered this year. Kazakhstan harvested 2.5 million tonnes in 2025. Final national production figures for the current crop will not be available until winter.
Imports decline as domestic supply grows
Kazakhstan continues to import melons and watermelons, predominantly from Uzbekistan. The neighboring country supplies more than 91% of imported watermelons and 75% of imported melons. However, total foreign deliveries declined from 16,000 tonnes to 14,000 tonnes during the first five months of this year.
The export share remains small relative to production because growers prioritize the domestic market before selling surplus abroad. Preferential loans and subsidies for fertilizer and agricultural machinery are supporting planting and harvesting, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture. For producers and traders, the next constraint is likely to be the ability to handle larger seasonal volumes while maintaining access to Russia and developing commercially viable routes to the Baltic states and other markets.
