Astana, August 6th - Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, said the grain export potential of the country in 2010-2011 will be higher than expected. The export potential totals 8 million tonnes of grains, instead of 6-7 million as previously forecasted.

The President noted that the situation is quite difficult this year because of unfavourable weather conditions. However, the northern and southern regions of Kazakhstan, Akmola and Kostanay, should expect a good harvest.

“Generally speaking, we hope on this year's harvest and we have last year's grain left. Kazakhstan will even have export potential”, President Nazarbayev declared.

The President mentioned that the state has supported agricultural producers this year on fuel supplies, products sales and fertilizer subsidies.

“KZT 96 billion ($650 million) was allocated to the agriculture of the country this year. This is a great help that agriculture needs and we are ready to provide it in order to support the development of the sector', he added.

The President issued directions to assume the measures for flour export share increase in the general volume of grains and by-products exports.