Recently, there has been an increase in meat prices in Kyrgyzstan, which is associated with several factors, including climatic conditions and the state of pastures. This was reported by Ulan Chekirbaev, head of the food security department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, during the broadcast of the program "Elden Sobol".
As Chekirbaev noted, the main factor contributing to the price increase is the rise in global food prices. For example, dry conditions in North and South America have led to a decrease in cattle herds, which in turn has affected prices in international markets, and Kyrgyzstan has not remained unaffected by this situation.
Drought reduces the feed base on pastures, leading to insufficient weight gain in animals. When farmers observe such problems, they begin to reduce the number of their livestock.
"Additionally, the situation is exacerbated by the degradation of nearby pastures, as farmers are forced to limit themselves to only the nearest plots, having no opportunity to use more distant ones," he added.
The increase in prices is also influenced by the increased demand from the population. With the improvement of citizens' material conditions, they have started to buy more meat — if they used to buy 2 kg, now they can afford 4 kg," the expert noted.
At the same time, according to him, meat prices in Kyrgyzstan remain among the lowest in Central Asia.
"Government programs support livestock breeders by providing them with low-interest loans. However, according to Chekirbaev, it is wrong to force farmers to sell their livestock at undervalued prices, as they should have the opportunity to replenish their herds from the income they receive," he concluded.
