According to farmers, this year there has been a rise in fodder prices in the Chui region compared to previous years. For instance, a bale of straw costs about 200 soms, alfalfa — over 300 soms, and mountain grasses — more than 270 soms. “Quality hay can now be bought for 450 soms per bale. In such high price conditions, one bundle of corn stalks for 80 soms is still better than nothing,” added Aydaraliev.
Earlier, in February 2025, Turmush reported that despite the low hay yield in 2025, its price remained low; however, farmers from the Chui region stopped purchasing it. In recent years, they have largely abandoned buying hay, including alfalfa.
Farmers also note that this year the hay yield is low, but prices have not increased. For example, hay can be purchased from a farmer's field at prices ranging from 160 to 200 soms. “If the hay gets wet in the rain, its price drops. Pure alfalfa without grass mixture costs up to 250 soms. Cheap hay would be beneficial for livestock breeders, but the high cost of fodder forces some to reduce their livestock,” farmers reported.
Maksat Alymkulov, a farmer from the Sokuluk district, wonders: “Why, when the hay yield is low, does the price not rise? The answer is simple: farmers in the Chui Valley have largely switched to silage, and now they do not need to depend on buying hay from each other. Farmers from Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions buy hay from the Chui region. If it weren't for silage, hay prices would have skyrocketed again this year, and there would have been a rush.”
The head of the agricultural development department of the Kemin district, Kalibek Majitov, supports this viewpoint. He noted that in early May, the heat destroyed the hay, and pastures were damaged, leading to low grass yields. “Last year, the weather was rainy, and farmers from Naryn and Issyk-Kul came to the Chui region for hay. But now, after the intense heat, the nights have become cold, and the hay is not growing well. In 2023, Chui farmers faced difficulties, but now they are actively engaged in producing silage from corn. Therefore, hay prices remain stable. Silage is prepared both in rolls and in pits, and it is available in large volumes, which creates problems for livestock breeders from Issyk-Kul and Naryn. I heard that they also started producing silage in the Issyk-Kul region.”
In Naryn, where corn does not grow, farmers continue to buy hay from the Chui region. Silage, as a technical crop, requires special processing: corn is mowed, placed in prepared pits, and compacted. This not only covers costs but also generates income. From one hectare, up to 50 tons of silage can be obtained, and in rolls — about 80 kg. The price varies from 4 to 7 soms per kilogram depending on quality and the presence of grains. If the grains are threshed, the silage resembles compound feed. Animals fed silage stop eating compound feed, become well-fed, cows produce more milk, and livestock becomes calm — one portion is enough to satiate them until evening.
However, it should be noted that silage with strong fermentation is not recommended for pregnant mares and cows before calving, as it can be harmful. It is safe for sheep, though. Caring for cattle and horses requires caution, especially during pregnancy. Thanks to silage, animals in the Chui region have become more well-fed — currently, every second farmer in the region grows silage. However, corn cannot be planted every year, as it depletes the soil. Therefore, farmers alternate it with wheat, barley, and other crops. For example, if a farmer has two hectares of land, he plants one hectare with silage, which is enough for both personal use and sale. The following year, he rotates the crops to maintain soil fertility, which is known to all farmers,” he added.
The presidential representative office in the Chui region reported that this year, perennial fodder grasses were sown on an area of 6,964 hectares.
