Kyrgyzstan has suffered a significant loss. Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushikhina (04.07.1940 - 29.01.2026) — professor, doctor of agricultural sciences, and an outstanding figure whose name is associated with the revival of sheep farming in the country — passed away at the age of 86. She was the only woman in her field, demonstrating that success in breeding requires not only knowledge but also immense patience.
The daughter of academician Mikhail Nikolaevich Lushikhin, she not only inherited his scientific legacy but also became an active continuator of his work in creating the unique breed of Kyrgyz mountain merino.
Few know that in her youth, her dreams were connected to Issyk-Kul and the profession of an ichthyologist. However, fate, as if guiding her along a path, led her to her true calling through the study of biology. This 90-year journey, including the work of her father, husband, and herself, became the foundation for the development of the national wealth of the country.
After completing her postgraduate studies at the Institute of Experimental Biology of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR in 1969, Evgenia Mikhailovna dedicated her career to science, progressing from a laboratory assistant to a leading researcher, and then heading the breeding laboratory for mountain merino. She also led the laboratory at the Institute of Biology and Soil Science of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR, as well as the genetics and biotechnology laboratory at the Biotechnology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2020.
Her contribution is not only history but also the future of Kyrgyzstan:
the development of the Kyrgyz mountain merino breed. In 2005, it was proven that the wool of the Kyrgyz merino is on par with Australian quality. These 18 microns of softness and strength became a true "gold reserve" of the republic.
Concern for the ecosystem of pastures: as a deep researcher, she viewed the problem in a broader context than just individual herds. Evgenia Mikhailovna constantly warned about the threats of soil erosion and the transformation of mountains into deserts, emphasizing that livestock farming should be based on strict scientific principles rather than a spontaneous approach.
Being the voice of conscience in her industry, she sadly observed the decline of production capacities, but until her last days, she believed in the restoration of the glory of Kyrgyz products on the international stage.
Evgenia Mikhailovna had the gift of captivating storytelling. In her lectures, dry statistics transformed into an engaging narrative about life, nature, and duty. She often repeated: "Breeding is a long process; to achieve perfection, several generations of animals need to be raised." She herself was the embodiment of this ideal — in her profession, principles, and family values.
“Why did my family dedicate their lives to this?” — she pondered in one of her last interviews. The answer to this question now lies with us — to preserve her work, restore the system she dreamed of, and protect our pastures — this is the best way to honor the memory of a great scientist.
May Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushikhina's memory be bright. Her name will forever remain in the history of Kyrgyz sheep farming.
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry expresses its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushikhina.
