Astana. August 18. Kazakhstan Today - Gross grain harvest in 2008 in Kazakhstan is expected to total about 17 million tons, thus the export potential will reach about 5.5 million tons of grain. The Minister of Agriculture, Akylbek Kurishbayev, informed on Saturday during the meeting concerning regulation of grain market and maintenance of food safety in the country, the agency reports. "According to the data of oblast akimats, gross grain harvest in the Republic will make nearly 17 million tons," A. Kurishbayev said. "Forecasted gross grain harvest will allow Kazakhstan to export about 5.5 million tons of grain in 2008 - 2009. It is an average indice for the last 5 years," he added. The Minister informed that, as of August 10, "according to monitoring, the Republic possesses 2 million tons of grain, including 1.6 million tons - food grain". "Harvest works are being carried out in all regions of Kazakhstan. As of August, 15, about one million hectares have been harvested, 10 % of the harvested acreage," A. Kurishbayev said.