In the broadcast of the program "Elden Sobol" by the news agency "Kabar," Ulan Chekirbaev, head of the food security department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared his views on the factors contributing to the increase in meat prices in the country. He pointed to several reasons, including climate changes that have negatively affected pastures near populated areas.
According to Chekirbaev, one of the fundamental factors driving up prices is the increase in global food prices. He noted that due to droughts in North and South America, there has been a reduction in cattle numbers, which has impacted international markets, and Kyrgyzstan has not been immune to this issue.
Dry conditions, he said, lead to a decrease in feed on pastures, which adversely affects the weight gain of animals. As a result, farmers are forced to reduce the number of their livestock.
“The situation is exacerbated by the degradation of pastures, where farmers cannot afford to use more distant areas, preferring only the nearest ones,” he added.
Additionally, the growing demand from the population also influences price increases. Chekirbaev noted that as citizens' financial situations improve, they have started buying more meat: if they used to buy 2 kg, now they can afford 4 kg.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that in Kyrgyzstan, meat prices remain the lowest among Central Asian countries.
“State support for livestock breeders includes low-interest rates on loans. However, it is wrong to force farmers to sell livestock at undervalued prices to lower meat prices, as they need to be able to restore their herds through income,” concluded Chekirbaev.
