In the At-Bashy district, where livestock farming is the main occupation, the demand for these products remains high year-round.
According to Kozhomgeldieva, At-Bashy is a "livestock" region, so the need for rock salt does not decrease in summer or winter. "The prices for feed are currently stable. A kilogram of wheat is 28 soms, barley is also 28 soms. We mainly bring the feed from the Chui region — from Tokmok and Kemin, as well as from the Issyk-Kul region. We sell at the same price. The price for ground bran is 29 soms," she said.
She also noted that a kilogram of rock salt costs 16 soms. According to her, the salt is brought from the Toktogul district. Typically, rock salt is harvested in advance — in winter, and then sold throughout the year. "We stock up on salt in winter. Livestock owners usually buy it in large quantities during winter. Sometimes we even deliver it to the summer pastures. Rock salt is the most important 'vitamin' for livestock. If salt is not given, the animal weakens and starts to get sick," says Jazgul Kozhomgeldieva.
According to her, salt is extremely necessary for the health of animals: it helps the tethered livestock gain weight and be better fattened. If the livestock does not eat salt, it loses weight — nasal discharge and lethargy appear. "Since At-Bashy is a livestock district, a lot of salt is used. One could say that without salt, livestock is not livestock. Therefore, both in summer and winter, animals must always have salt," she reported.
