According to local farmers, this year in the Chui region, there has been a rise in feed prices compared to previous years. A bale of straw costs about 200 soms, alfalfa around 300 soms, and mountain grasses over 270 soms. “Quality hay can reach 450 soms per bale. In the context of rising prices, purchasing a bundle of corn stalks for 80 soms remains a more profitable option,” Aydaraliev added.
Earlier, in February 2025, Turmush reported that farmers had stopped buying hay despite the low prices that persisted due to poor yields in the 2025 season. In recent years, farmers in the Chui region have significantly reduced their hay purchases, especially alfalfa.
Despite the low yields, farmers say that hay prices have remained stable. Hay can be purchased from farmers at prices ranging from 160 to 200 soms. If the hay gets wet in the rain, its cost decreases, while pure alfalfa without impurities sells for up to 250 soms. “If hay were cheaper, it would ease the lives of livestock breeders; however, due to high feed prices, some of them are forced to reduce their herd sizes,” farmers report.
Farmer Maksat Alymkulov from the Sokuluk district noted: “Why, with low hay yields, does its price not rise? Because farmers in the Chui Valley have massively started using silage, and now they are not dependent on mutual hay purchases. Farmers from Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions now buy hay from the Chui region. If it weren't for the emergence of silage, hay prices would have risen again, and there would have been a rush.”
Kalybek Majitov, head of the agricultural development department of the Kemin district, agreed with the farmers' opinion. He explained that in early May, the heat destroyed the hay, and pastures suffered from a lack of moisture. This year, unlike the rainy previous year, farmers from Naryn and Issyk-Kul have started coming to the Chui region for hay. “Farmers have begun to produce silage from corn on a large scale, which explains the stability of hay prices. Silage is prepared both in rolls and in pits, and it is available in large volumes,” Majitov added.
However, in the Naryn region, where corn does not grow, farmers continue to purchase hay from the Chui region. The process of producing silage includes sowing corn, cutting, filling prepared pits, and compacting. This not only helps recoup costs but also brings in income. From one hectare, up to 50 tons of silage can be obtained, and in rolls, it weighs about 80 kg. The price ranges from 4 to 7 soms per kilogram depending on quality.
However, as specialists noted, silage with strong fermentation should not be given to pregnant cows and mares in foal, as it can be harmful, while it is safe for sheep. Caring for cattle and horses requires special attention, especially during pregnancy. Thanks to the use of silage, livestock in the Chui region has become better fed. Currently, every second farmer in this region is engaged in its production. However, corn cannot be planted every year, as this depletes the soil. Farmers alternate it with wheat, barley, and other crops to maintain fertility. For example, if a farmer has two hectares, he can plant one hectare with corn for silage and switch the crops the following year.
A representative of the president in the Chui region reported that this year, perennial forage grasses were sown on an area of 6,964 hectares.
