From March 20 to April 10, a large-scale agricultural census will take place in Kyrgyzstan. Erlis Akunbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing, urged citizens to be honest and open in providing data during a coordination meeting.
He noted that there are concerns among the population that lead livestock owners to underreport the number of animals or the size of land holdings. Many mistakenly believe that accurate data could result in the cancellation of social benefits or the introduction of additional taxes.
According to Akunbekov, "the agricultural census is crucial not for tax measures, but for ensuring veterinary safety. Only by having accurate data on livestock numbers can the government adequately calculate the volumes of vaccine purchases, plan preventive measures, and protect livestock from epidemics."
During the three-week campaign, specialists will take into account the following aspects:
The condition of household plots and sown areas;
The size and availability of pastures;
Farm buildings and yards;
The exact number of livestock and poultry.
Territorial statistics departments and local self-government bodies will participate in the census. The data collection will serve as the basis for forming updated agricultural policy and will assist in effective planning of the national economy.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that providing truthful information about the state of personal and farm households is the key to food security and animal health at the national level.
