Trend Analysis of Area and Productivity of Some Basic Crops in Northern Kazakhstan

Northern Kazakhstan is the core zone of crop production for the Republic of Kazakhstan. The three provinces viz. North Kazakhstan, Kostanay and Akmola account for about 85% of the total wheat production of the country thus adding significance to the region so far as the food security of the Republic is concerned. The research paper is written with an aim to analyse the trends shown by the productivity and the area under basic crops by the different provinces of the area under study during the selected time period of 15 years from 2004 to 2018. Trend analysis has been used to track the path of the variables in the time series. The area under wheat crop has declined from the previous few years reflecting the Government directed crop diversification policy in Northern Kazakhstan. The land was devoted to oilseed crops and fodder in order to increase the profitability of its crops. Agriculture is a risky endeavour in Kazakhstan with most of the risks associated with climatic events. The area is frequently affected by droughts thus influencing the magnitude of the production process. The Republic is suggested to frame certain policies in order to mitigate the impacts of such climatic events and to increase the profitability of its crops that can benefit the agricultural sector and make the Republic food secure.