Kazakh PM blames weather conditions on low crop yields

 Hot and dry summer had a negative impact on crop yields in Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov admitted Tuesday at the Government’s meeting, Kazinform News Agency reports. 

“This year, unfortunately, turned out to be a tough one for our farmers. Hot and dry summer had a negative impact on crop yields. Coupled with heavy precipitation in August, it lowered this year’s harvest and deteriorated its quality,” said Smailov, emphasizing that bad weather conditions also led to delayed harvesting.

Prime Minister Smailov went on to reassure that there will be enough bread to meet domestic demand this year.

The premier also criticized the lack of work carried out to develop new varieties of wheat and underscored the need to update the agricultural equipment.