Factors Contributing to Price Increases
Market sellers indicated that the increase in meat prices is due to its export to neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Additionally, the situation has been affected by the rising costs of feed and production expenses for farmers.According to Bakytbek Mamytkanov, chairman of the Association of Meat Producers of Kyrgyzstan, meat prices, especially beef, are rising not only in the country but globally, as confirmed by the World Bank.
He noted: "Neighboring countries, such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, need meat. Previously, it was illegal to export livestock, but now it has become a legal practice. In Kazakhstan, the price increase has also been significant, and in Turkey, a kilogram of meat costs about 1,800 soms when converted to our currency."
One of the main reasons for the rise in meat prices, according to Mamytkanov, is the poor quality of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, which have led to a decrease in livestock weight among farmers.
"In recent months, there has been an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle in the country. There was also dermatitis previously. Meat prices have decreased over the last week because farmers are forced to slaughter their livestock to prevent infection," he added.
Mamytkanov also pointed out a similar situation last year and warned that prices could rise again by spring and summer. "Two years ago, there was no such problem. The young stock that will be born this year will not have time to grow, and the existing livestock will be slaughtered to avoid bankruptcy," he explained.
Amid rising prices in Kyrgyzstan, there has been an increase in beef imports from abroad, mainly from India, where an outbreak of the Nipah virus is currently being recorded, which can be transmitted through livestock.
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According to the latest data, from January to November 2025, Kyrgyzstan imported 1,200 tons of frozen beef worth $3.9 million, of which 63% came from India.
It is important to note that the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry reported the introduction of restrictions on the import of animals and animal products from India that are susceptible to the Nipah virus.
Mamytkanov also noted that the mainly imported frozen beef is used by processing enterprises. "This is necessary for the production of dumplings and sausages, as it is more economically viable," he clarified.
Support or Bans?
According to Mamytkanov, Kyrgyzstan has good conditions for the development of livestock and increasing meat production. Currently, the authorities are providing preferential loans for the purchase of livestock."Thus, a farmer who receives money today will be able to raise livestock within a year or two, and the main amount will only be paid back after two years," he added.
However, Mamytkanov believes that the ban on meat exports may be impractical, as selling at higher prices to neighbors would contribute to the development of domestic production. When asked whether this would be beneficial for farmers, he replied that the authorities should negotiate with breeders to sell 50% to the local market at a reduced price.
Work in this direction is already underway. The state-owned enterprise "Kyrgyz Agriholding," under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, has presented a project for mobile meat sales points at social prices, which should help stabilize the domestic market. However, the question remains whether the authorities will be able to provide farmers with quality vaccines and keep meat prices at an acceptable level this year.
Photo on the main page: EPA / TASS.
