Akimaliev emphasizes that the key task of agricultural product processing is to preserve the harvest, increase its profitability, and create conditions for export.
“Losses in Kyrgyzstan amount to up to 30% of the total production, while globally this figure reaches 50%. If we can preserve 95% of our products through processing, it will be a significant achievement,” he noted.
The academician also added that processing can significantly increase the profitability of agricultural products.
“Currently, the profitability of some products is 15%, but after processing it can reach 60%. For example, this applies to milk, sugar beets, and potatoes,” Akimaliev explained.
He provided examples of potato processing: “From it, we can produce starch, French fries, chips, and flour. Six kilograms of potatoes yield one kilogram of starch. Why aren’t we doing this? These are additional incomes and new jobs,” the scientist added.
Similarly, wheat processing allows for the production of flour, cereals, alcohol, and animal feed from straw.
“Meat processing is also important. Where are the sausages, frankfurters, smoked and boiled sausages? We have enormous potential,” Akimaliev noted.
He emphasized that to achieve these goals, large enterprises are needed: meat processing plants and dairy factories in each region, as well as factories for processing fruits, vegetables, and potatoes.
“If over the next five years we manage to increase the level of agricultural product processing to 25%, it will be a significant success for our agriculture,” concluded the academician.
Akimaliev added that the development of processing depends on government support and attention from the President and the government, as well as on concrete actions from all ministries.
