According to him, there has been active development in meat processing in recent years. In particular, new products are emerging at meat processing plants, and consumers can find a variety of ready-made meat products both in stores and at markets.
Kanybek uulu noted that several factories now produce canned goods from various types of meat, as well as stews, boiled, and smoked meat. He added that processed products have a higher value compared to raw meat. The Department of Organic Agriculture supports this industry, and the ministry provides additional resources to optimize processing processes.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the development of meat processing is also linked to preferential lending programs.
“There are various sources of financing for those who plan to increase livestock numbers, fatten animals, or improve product quality. Currently, there are 16 such credit programs available,” said Munarbek Kanybek uulu.
Context of the Situation
In 2025, the meat shortage and rising prices became an important social and economic issue, as reported by Muratbek Imankulov, Deputy Chairman of the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, on Tazabek radio.
He added that meat is considered a socially significant product, and in August of last year, against the backdrop of shortages and unjustified price increases, temporary state regulation was introduced.
“In August, when prices began to rise sharply, we made the decision to temporarily regulate meat prices,” noted Imankulov.
The maximum prices for beef and lamb were set at 680 and 690 soms per kilogram, respectively.
“It is important to clarify that this applies to bone-in meat. We emphasize this because consumers often confuse it with fillet or boneless meat,” he added.
Fillet and boneless meat are not subject to state regulation and remain subject to market pricing. The regulation only applies to bone-in meat, including sinews and bones, which are sold at markets and stores.
Imankulov reported that price regulation was introduced in August, extended in November until the end of December, and then for another month.
“This issue is under constant control of the government and relevant ministries. We monitor the situation daily, and our staff work on the ground,” he noted.
Additionally, local authorities are actively involved in efforts to stabilize prices. Raids are conducted at markets in Bishkek, involving staff from the city administration, district administrations, the Ministry of Agriculture, and law enforcement agencies, along with representatives from the antimonopoly service.
Imankulov reminded that all actions are carried out within the framework of Cabinet Resolution No. 455, which regulates joint price control.
Since the introduction of meat regulation, the total amount of imposed fines has exceeded 600,000 soms.
“This is an unprecedented level. In previous years, fines of this magnitude were not imposed,” emphasized the deputy head of the service.
He also added that the rise in prices in some cases is caused not only by the actions of individual sellers but also by the actions of intermediaries and groups, including producers.
“These cases have been referred to law enforcement for investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law,” concluded Imankulov.
