Kazakhstan's farmers face ruin as saiga antelopes devastate croplands
Farmers in Kazakhstan’s Kostanay region are struggling after saiga antelopes destroyed vast areas of cropland last year. The damage has left many unable to plant this season, with some facing potential bankruptcy. Authorities are now under pressure to find solutions before the situation worsens. Last year, herds of saiga antelopes invaded farmland, ruining 60,000 hectares of crops. Dievskaya Agrofirm alone reported losses of 2.2 billion tenge. The repeated destruction has pushed farmers to the brink, with many unable to repay loans or secure new ones for planting.
The Association of Agricultural Producers has called for government-funded compensation to cover the damage. Without support, they warn, more farms could collapse. Oleg Danilenko, who leads Dievskaya Agrofirm, expects to leave a third of his land unsown this year—despite good weather—due to financial strain.
Local authorities have begun exploring options, including crop insurance schemes. Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture has also proposed subsidies for hinged fencing to protect fields. Meanwhile, farmers argue that current measures, like wolf culls, are outdated and ineffective. They insist on science-based management of the saiga population instead. The crisis has forced farmers to cut back on planting, not because of drought or poor conditions, but because of financial ruin. If no action is taken, the region’s agricultural output could shrink further. Authorities are now weighing compensation, insurance, and fencing solutions to prevent another year of losses.
