Kyrgyz science has suffered a heavy loss. On January 29, 2026, the life journey of Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushchikhina (04.07.1940 - 29.01.2026), professor and doctor of agricultural sciences, came to an end. Her name became synonymous with the revival of sheep breeding in Kyrgyzstan. She was the only woman in this challenging field, and her work demonstrated that success in breeding requires not only knowledge but also boundless patience.
Evgenia Mikhailovna was not just the daughter of academician Mikhail Nikolaevich Lushchikhin, but also a faithful continuer of his work in creating a new breed of Kyrgyz mountain merino.
Interestingly, in her youth, she dreamed of becoming an ichthyologist and exploring the depths of Issyk-Kul. However, fate led her to biology, where she found her true calling. This 90-year journey became the foundation for the national heritage of our country.
After completing her postgraduate studies at the Institute of Experimental Biology of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR in 1969, Evgenia Mikhailovna dedicated herself to science and progressed from a laboratory assistant to a leading researcher and head of a laboratory. She headed the laboratory at the Institute of Biology and Soil Science of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR, as well as the laboratory of genetics and biotechnology at the Biotechnology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2020.
Her legacy is not only history but also the future of the country:
the improvement of the Kyrgyz mountain merino. In 2005, it was established that the quality of this merino's wool is on par with Australian wool. These 18 microns of softness and strength became a true "gold reserve" of the republic.
Evgenia Mikhailovna also actively fought for the preservation of the pasture ecosystem, recognizing problems that extend beyond individual herds. She warned about soil erosion and the transformation of mountains into deserts, emphasizing that livestock farming requires a scientific approach rather than spontaneous grazing.
With deep sorrow, she observed the loss of production capacities, but until her last day, she believed in the revival of Kyrgyz products on the international stage.
Evgenia Mikhailovna was a magnificent storyteller; her lectures turned dry facts into captivating stories about life, nature, and duty. She often said, "Breeding is a long labor; you need to raise several generations of animals to achieve perfection." Her own life served as an example of such perfection—in her profession, principles, and loyalty to family values.
"Why did my family dedicate their lives to this?" she asked in one of her last interviews. The answer to this question now lies with us. Preserving her legacy, restoring the system she dreamed of, and maintaining our pastures is the best way to honor her memory.
May Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushchikhina rest in peace. Her name will forever remain in the history of the golden fleece of Kyrgyzstan.
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry expresses its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Evgenia Mikhailovna Lushchikhina.
