At a press conference of the Central Communications Service under the President of Kazakhstan, Vice Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly announced plans for protection against locust pests. According to the ministry, approximately 3.1 million hectares were treated in 2024, 2.7 million hectares in 2025, and treatment of 2.2 million hectares is forecast for 2026. The largest reductions in areas are expected in Kostanay (-452,000 ha), Akmola (-153,000 ha), and Aktobe (-89,000 ha) regions. For the 2026 activities, 532 units of specialized spraying equipment (21% more than last year), 3,392 specialists, and 57 drones are deployed, including 103 recently purchased drones for monitoring.
A unified procurement of chemical treatment services has been introduced, and the output rate of fan sprayers has been reduced from 100 to 70 hectares. By May 13, 2026, 378,000 hectares have been treated in the southern regions, including 287,000 hectares in the Turkestan region. Joint surveys are being conducted with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and China, and all activities are under constant supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture.