A video is actively discussed on social media, claiming that a Kazakh businessman purchased an Arashan ram for 1 million dollars.
A Turmush correspondent conducted interviews with livestock breeders to find out how the price of this breed of sheep has changed and what caused these changes.
Farmers note that just a year ago, transactions for selling Arashans for 100, 80, 50, or even 10 thousand dollars were rare. Such operations either took place in the shadows or were not publicized at all. However, in the last six months, there has been an increase in the number of transactions involving the exchange of sheep for expensive cars and sales for significant amounts in dollars.
Sardar Bagyshbekov, a farmer who has been breeding Arashan sheep for many years, confirmed that prices for these sheep have significantly increased.
- What is the current price of elite Arashan sheep?
Information is circulating on social media that Kazakh entrepreneur Kuanish Myktybaev allegedly purchased a famous Arashan named Antibiotic, a lamb of the legendary Franklin, for 1 million dollars. Rumor has it that 500 thousand dollars were paid in cash, while the remaining funds were in the form of barter, although the farmer himself did not witness this transaction.
Kuanish Myktybaev is one of the leading sheep breeders in Kazakhstan. He adds that even 400 thousand dollars was not previously paid for rams, indicating that "super-elite" Arashans are now valued at around 500 thousand dollars. Last year, a price of 1 million dollars was also requested for Franklin, but at that time the buyers were Kyrgyz.
- Why is the price of Arashans increasing?
Firstly, there is indeed a shortage of elite rams on the market, and interest from buyers is growing. The increase in domestic demand in the country is also leading to a nearly twofold rise in prices.
We have been engaged in breeding for 10 years, gradually improving quality and developing new lines. Wealthy buyers prefer to purchase ready animals, which bring them profit within a year, thus driving up prices.
Secondly, wealthy clients from Uzbekistan are actively entering the market, purchasing sheep both through intermediaries and directly, ordering from 20 to 100 heads. In Uzbekistan, the government supports the breeding of pedigree livestock by providing subsidies, pastures, and tax benefits, as well as simplifying export procedures.
- What kind of support is needed from the government?
Farmers need support from the government. Under such prices, rumors have begun to circulate about some farmers being called in by law enforcement agencies, which has led many to hide prices and conduct transactions secretly.
In fact, Arashans have become what they are thanks to the efforts of ordinary shepherds, who at one time did not receive the necessary assistance. We hope for comprehensive support for breeding livestock in Kyrgyzstan — in matters of pastures, exports, and other areas.
High sales of Arashans are also beneficial for the government. With such money, a farmer will not leave for abroad but will invest it in purchasing a car, building a house, or starting a business, which will create jobs in the country. As they say, "if the people become wealthy — the state becomes wealthy too."
- What about famous personalities and officials?
Recently, some officials and celebrities have started breeding Arashans. Athletes, including Manas Niyazov, also keep this breed. The interest of famous people in sheep breeding supports ordinary livestock breeders, raising the status of the profession and the industry itself.
Compilation of videos from social media dedicated to transactions involving Arashan sheep
In April 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Regional Development registered a new Kyrgyz meat-fat breed of sheep "Arashan."
The "Arashan" breed differs from others in the following ways:
- The Kyrgyz meat-fat breed "Arashan" was developed from 1970 to 2021 in the farms of the Kyrgyz Republic. The breed was created using ram producers of the Gissar breed, brought in 1977 from Tajikistan, which were crossed with local coarse-wool ewes. Second-generation animals were bred "in themselves."
- This breed possesses high meat-fat qualities, large sizes, a fat tail, high growth energy and development, and is well adapted to high mountain and valley steppe conditions.
- The sheep have a compact build, satisfactory exterior, strong constitution, and sturdy skeleton.
- Rams and ewes are polled.
- The live weight of 7-8-month-old lambs is 48–61 kg, one-year-old young stock is 60-78 kg, and adult rams weigh 109-177 kg.
- Four genealogical lines have been formed.
In the republic, the total number of sheep of this breed is 5,832. The approximate price of a lamb is 1,000 dollars, and for sheep, it is 5,000 dollars.
