The breeding of yaks in Kyrgyzstan is gaining increasing significance as an agricultural direction, especially in the context of climate change. This was reported by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.
According to the latest data, the yak population in the country stands at 61,650 heads. The main regions where they inhabit are Naryn, Issyk-Kul, and Osh oblasts, where high-altitude pastures create optimal ecological conditions for their maintenance.
Yaks can graze in open spaces year-round and have high resilience to extreme climatic conditions, including frosts down to -40 °C. These animals are used for meat, milk, and wool production, demonstrating stable results in high-altitude conditions.
The ministry emphasized that in light of climate change and pasture degradation, yak husbandry is becoming particularly important. Yaks are capable of surviving, reproducing, and producing products at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters above sea level, making them indispensable in harsh conditions unsuitable for other types of livestock.
Due to their resilience to cold, drought, and feed shortages, yak breeding is an effective solution for regions affected by climate change, such as seasonal shifts, reduced precipitation, and drought. Additionally, the use of remote high-altitude pastures helps reduce the burden on lower-lying lands.
Currently, scientists from the National Academy of Sciences and the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures are working on creating a working group for the breeding of white yaks. Research is being conducted at the "Zhaichy" farm named after T. Akmatov in the Ton district with the aim of testing white yaks as a separate breed group.
Farmers Baatyrbek Akmatov from the Ton district and Tashtanbek Akmatov from the Naryn region have been engaged in the breeding of white yaks since 2003. Their work has yielded positive results: at the "Agrodialog-2025" forum in 2025, Baatyrbek Akmatov was awarded the title of champion in white yak breeding.
The ministry noted that work on the development of yak husbandry, scientific support for breeding programs, and support for farmers will continue.
