The Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Erlis Akunbekov discussed current issues of meat pricing and problems related to livestock export on the "Dialogue" program on UTRK.
He noted that in Kyrgyzstan, meat prices are significantly higher than in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where they fluctuate between 1200–1400 soms. This creates favorable conditions for intermediaries who profit from the price difference.
“Export restrictions do not hinder farmers' work, as it is the intermediaries who handle the sale of livestock and meat. Entrepreneurs from Russia and Uzbekistan are actively buying animals from our farmers. According to statistics, over the past four months, 53,000 head of cattle and sheep have been exported, which are then sold in neighboring countries at prices of 1200–1400 soms per kilogram of meat. As a result, the main profit goes to foreign intermediaries, not to the farmers,” the minister emphasized.
Akunbekov also mentioned that in the past, the government tried to stabilize meat prices by purchasing livestock and selling it at lower prices. However, end consumers often received meat at inflated prices after resale.
“To address this issue, the ministry has initiated the creation of meat clusters, aimed at organizing direct supplies from farmers to buyers. 1.5 billion soms have been allocated for this initiative, and 10 clusters are planned to be established. The new system will operate on the model of ‘farmer - slaughterhouse - retail point - consumer’. As a result, farmers will be able to receive fair profits for their labor, while consumers will be able to purchase quality meat, which has undergone veterinary control, at a more affordable price, without intermediaries,” the minister added.
Author: Aida Turgunbek kyzy
Translation: Gulmira Baiterekova
