U.S. Government Invests in Boosting Kyrgyzstan’s Dairy Industry
Source: DairyNews.today
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is making significant strides in modernizing Kyrgyzstan's dairy sector. Targeting the southern regions of the country, USAID’s initiatives are focused on improving cattle management, fodder cultivation, and artificial insemination techniques, benefiting over 500 individuals directly and thousands more indirectly.
Expanding Dairy Processing Capabilities
A notable highlight of USAID's involvement is the provision of dairy processing equipment valued at 4.6 million KGS ($33,786) to PE Begalieva, a dairy producer in the Jalal-Abad region. Known for producing kurut (dried yogurt balls), butter, and kefir, the company has increased its processing capacity from 1,000 to 4,000 liters per day and expanded its product range from seven to 12 varieties. The upgrades will not only support local consumption but also enhance export potential to neighboring Uzbekistan. Additionally, over 300 households will receive training in modern cattle management and milking techniques through this partnership.
In Osh, USAID has provided TES Center, a local advisory service provider, with milking and extruder equipment worth 1.1 million KGS ($12,650). This equipment will support training programs for over 100 farmers, focusing on fodder cultivation and best practices in dairy cow husbandry.
Advancing Artificial Insemination Practices
To strengthen livestock breeding programs, Public Foundation Tybyt Kashmir has been equipped with artificial insemination tools valued at over 1 million KGS ($11,500). The equipment includes cryogenic storage, a microscope, an ovulation detector, and a veterinary ultrasound machine. These resources will enable training for 54 livestock graders and 65 veterinarians across the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions, ensuring widespread adoption of advanced breeding practices.
Transforming Kyrgyzstan’s Dairy Industry
Over the past four years, USAID has partnered with 17 dairy companies in southern Kyrgyzstan, benefiting over 4,200 households and generating more than 3,500 jobs. These efforts have resulted in increased sales and exports of dairy products, reflecting a broader transformation in the sector.
Despite producing more than 1.7 million tons of milk annually, Kyrgyzstan processes only 2.5% of its milk. Local inefficiencies have historically driven reliance on higher-cost imports from Russia and Kazakhstan. However, domestic producers are closing the gap. Between 2016 and 2020, dairy exports nearly doubled, and exports to Uzbekistan surged in 2022 to 746 tons.
Kazakhstan remains Kyrgyzstan's largest export market, followed by Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The industry also achieved a milestone in 2022 when 13 Kyrgyz companies gained certification to export dairy products to China, marking a significant step toward international market expansion.
Opportunities for Growth
Kyrgyzstan’s relatively low raw milk costs compared to neighboring countries provide a competitive edge for cost-efficient production. Although foreign ownership of farmland is prohibited, joint ventures with local landowners could further reduce production costs and stabilize milk supplies.
With the U.S. government’s support, Kyrgyzstan’s dairy sector is poised for sustained growth, improving local livelihoods and enhancing its position in regional and global markets. The ongoing investments and training initiatives reflect a commitment to transforming the industry and unlocking its full potential.
A notable highlight of USAID's involvement is the provision of dairy processing equipment valued at 4.6 million KGS ($33,786) to PE Begalieva, a dairy producer in the Jalal-Abad region. Known for producing kurut (dried yogurt balls), butter, and kefir, the company has increased its processing capacity from 1,000 to 4,000 liters per day and expanded its product range from seven to 12 varieties. The upgrades will not only support local consumption but also enhance export potential to neighboring Uzbekistan. Additionally, over 300 households will receive training in modern cattle management and milking techniques through this partnership.
In Osh, USAID has provided TES Center, a local advisory service provider, with milking and extruder equipment worth 1.1 million KGS ($12,650). This equipment will support training programs for over 100 farmers, focusing on fodder cultivation and best practices in dairy cow husbandry.
Advancing Artificial Insemination Practices
To strengthen livestock breeding programs, Public Foundation Tybyt Kashmir has been equipped with artificial insemination tools valued at over 1 million KGS ($11,500). The equipment includes cryogenic storage, a microscope, an ovulation detector, and a veterinary ultrasound machine. These resources will enable training for 54 livestock graders and 65 veterinarians across the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions, ensuring widespread adoption of advanced breeding practices.
Transforming Kyrgyzstan’s Dairy Industry
Over the past four years, USAID has partnered with 17 dairy companies in southern Kyrgyzstan, benefiting over 4,200 households and generating more than 3,500 jobs. These efforts have resulted in increased sales and exports of dairy products, reflecting a broader transformation in the sector.
Despite producing more than 1.7 million tons of milk annually, Kyrgyzstan processes only 2.5% of its milk. Local inefficiencies have historically driven reliance on higher-cost imports from Russia and Kazakhstan. However, domestic producers are closing the gap. Between 2016 and 2020, dairy exports nearly doubled, and exports to Uzbekistan surged in 2022 to 746 tons.
Kazakhstan remains Kyrgyzstan's largest export market, followed by Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The industry also achieved a milestone in 2022 when 13 Kyrgyz companies gained certification to export dairy products to China, marking a significant step toward international market expansion.
Opportunities for Growth
Kyrgyzstan’s relatively low raw milk costs compared to neighboring countries provide a competitive edge for cost-efficient production. Although foreign ownership of farmland is prohibited, joint ventures with local landowners could further reduce production costs and stabilize milk supplies.
With the U.S. government’s support, Kyrgyzstan’s dairy sector is poised for sustained growth, improving local livelihoods and enhancing its position in regional and global markets. The ongoing investments and training initiatives reflect a commitment to transforming the industry and unlocking its full potential.
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