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World 05.08.2024

"I could not accept the idea that my life would be confined to a wheelchair," said Azamat Maadanbekov, founder of Bermet Farm.

Source: DairyNews.today
From August 19 to 23, 2024, the beautiful mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan will host the "Road to Milk!" Auto Rally. As part of this project, we introduce you to interesting dairy enterprises in this country. Today's feature is about Azamat Maadanbekov, the founder of one of Kyrgyzstan's most high-tech livestock farms, "Bermet." The story of the founder of "Bermet" Farm is unique. Azamat lived abroad for 10 years, traveled extensively, and then, turning down a managerial position in an international company, started his own agricultural business. Moreover, the founder of the enterprise survived a car accident and disability, but no difficulties could break his spirit. Read all about this in his interview for DairyNews.today.
"I could not accept the idea that my life would be confined to a wheelchair," said Azamat Maadanbekov, founder of Bermet Farm.
Azamat, tell us your story. Why did you decide to return to your homeland and engage in agriculture?

— I studied abroad, completing my university and postgraduate studies in Turkey. I earned a bachelor's degree in management and continued my postgraduate studies in financial management. After finishing my studies, I stayed on to work in a large company. Within six months, I was promoted to a managerial position, which was a significant achievement, especially considering that I was the youngest employee in a team where my colleagues were over 40 years old. I was 26 or 27 at the time. My work in the company was multifunctional and required business trips to different countries. Every six months, I was sent to a new country with a team of employees to set up systems and train local staff. I managed and coordinated the work, delved into the company's operations, and adapted it to local conditions. However, despite my successes and work experience abroad, I always felt that I was one or two steps behind the local citizens. No matter how good the conditions were abroad, it was always a temporary situation. There is a saying: "Where you were born, the land is golden." And it truly is. At home, I feel free and more confident. Returning to my homeland, I decided to engage in agriculture because I believe that production is the foundation and cornerstone of any economy. Trade and buy-sell operations are one thing, but it is production that creates real value. We produce food products that are essential for human life.

Tell us more about your enterprise. What exactly does it do?

— Our farm was founded in 2002. Our main activity is dairy farming. My brother and I started this business together. He handles a certain amount of work, and I take on another part; all tasks are divided between us. We have a full cycle, starting fr om the field and ending with the final product. Today, we produce fermented dairy products and process our own milk fr om the farm. We also cultivate arable land and prepare feed. We import breeding cows from Europe and supply Czech equipment. Additionally, we regularly conduct training, seminars, and masterclasses, sharing useful information on our YouTube channel. We strive to direct our farmers more towards dairy farming.

What key features distinguish your farm from other dairy enterprises in Kyrgyzstan?

— Typically, from spring to mid-autumn, many send their animals to graze on green meadows and pastures. However, our animals are kept in one place all year round. In this method of confined keeping, everything is fully calculated. When a cow is sent to pasture in the morning, it covers kilometers, losing energy and protein, just like physical activity in humans. Since the cow needs to produce milk, it is important to properly calculate the amount of energy it expends. We consider all aspects: how much time the cow should walk, lie down, stand to eat, drink water, and be milked. These calculations allow us to maintain stable confinement, ensuring optimal use of energy for milk production. This approach is widely used in European countries, wh ere modern methods of animal husbandry are also applied. All our processes are fully automated. We have acquired specialized equipment and studied modern animal feeding technologies. We closely follow new trends and apply European standards on our farm. While others continue to use traditional grazing methods and do not pay enough attention to details, we follow modern European approaches and technologies actively used in developed countries.

What are the advantages of the European approach?

— Firstly, it reduces the need for labor, which is an important factor in our business. Secondly, it reduces stress in animals, providing them with comfortable living conditions. Thirdly, European technologies represent advanced developments. Developed countries are ahead, especially in livestock farming. Their scientific research and innovations aim to improve and achieve maximum results, such as increasing the amount of milk and fat fr om each cow. European farmers and scientists constantly study and develop new methods to increase productivity. We just need to adopt their experience without reinventing the wheel. We carefully study their methods and approaches, follow new technologies, and replicate them to apply in practice. For example, in the Netherlands, cow milk yields are among the highest in the world. They are the first to implement new technologies that we then use. Unfortunately, in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, not enough research is conducted to increase milk production. As a result, we have to use foreign technologies without having our own unique developments. Additionally, we also take examples from Turkey, wh ere livestock and agriculture are highly developed. Turkey is close to Europe and adopts European methods. It is convenient for us to work with Turkey as they offer quality and affordable solutions.

Tell us about the automation of your business. What technologies do you use in your business?

— Automation implies minimizing human labor and creating comfort for animals. The biggest problem is manure removal. People do not want to do this; it is a very hard daily task to remove tons of manure. For this, there are special pathways that remove manure — scrapers. In the world, they are called differently, but I call it manure removal. The manure scraper is automatic; the device itself removes manure wh ere the animals walk.

Automation is also implemented in the milking process — the "Tree" milking system. Milking should take 10 minutes. The cow enters, is milked within 10 minutes, and leaves. You cannot keep a cow in the milking parlor for 2-3-4 hours because instead of eating, drinking water, lying down to rest, and producing milk, it spends this time in the milking parlor, just standing and waiting. Therefore, the automation of milking systems is a very important factor in our business. We also have equipment for preparing feed, cooling systems, and so on.

You mentioned that you are developing your YouTube channel. What is the goal and mission of your channel?

— We approach livestock farming as a complex technology, not just a process of feeding a cow and getting milk from it. I have been doing this for 18 years and understand all aspects of our business. Over time, we started sharing our experience and knowledge by conducting seminars and now through our YouTube channel. Today, we have over 5,000 subscribers. On the channel, I show each step and explain what and how to do: how to properly milk, feed, prepare feed, and much more. Our approach is also driven by patriotism and the desire to leave a better economy for our children than we have now. We share information, skills, and technologies with Kyrgyz people to improve the industry. Training is conducted considering people's financial capabilities because reaching this level requires a lot of time and effort. We also started with simple approaches, then upd ated, went through three stages of improvements, and now have reached a certain maximum. Now we try to keep up with developed countries in livestock farming by applying modern technologies and methods.

Who is your main audience? Large and big farms or small household farms?

— Our main audience is farmers with small farms, having two to five-seven heads of cattle. We understand that not everyone has the financial means for large investments, so our task is to help such farmers get the maximum profit from their resources. I teach them how to effectively manage small farms, considering limited resources. For example, for those who have only a few cows, I give advice on building small and convenient barns, which helps increase milk yields. We offer solutions adapted to their capabilities, whether it is purchasing minimally necessary equipment or recommendations for improving living conditions. We also work with larger farmers who are ready to invest in the development of their farms. For them, we provide detailed drawings and recommendations on equipment and cattle selection. It is important to understand that approaches and solutions can vary greatly depending on the size of the farm and its capabilities. Our goal is to help each farmer, regardless of their financial situation or the number of heads of cattle. We want them to develop and achieve success, focusing on the transition from quantity to quality. This not only improves the economic situation of families but also contributes to the country's economy. We share knowledge and technologies, provide equipment at affordable prices, and help farmers develop their farms.

So, you can also provide personal support and an individual approach to those interested for a certain fee?

— For those who want to create a farm, yes, we provide personal support. We develop detailed drawings for them, determine the necessary equipment, and also handle livestock supplies, as I mentioned earlier. These farmers see the results of our work themselves — how much milk can be obtained, how much easier the process becomes, and we help them with financial calculations. As a result, they start building their farms. Now we see a growth in the number of average family farms — this is what we consider optimal for our country today. Such farms have from 20 to 100 heads of cattle. We provide drawings for free, which do not cost 5-7 thousand euros. We also recommend and supply the same equipment that we use and have tested for eight years. It has been working for us for eight or nine years without failures, and we know all its pros and cons. We offer this equipment to our clients at affordable prices without significant markups.

Do you provide such services to representatives of other countries?

— If someone contacts me, of course, I will try to help as much as I can; there is no problem with that. However, since it is about another country, I am not sure what the conditions are there. My knowledge can be seen on the YouTube channel, and if someone wants to get information, it is available to everyone. As for equipment installation or livestock supply, things are not as simple as they seem. There are issues like customs procedures and other formalities that need to be considered. I work within Kyrgyzstan, and our farm is located here. Frankly speaking, I do not know what the mechanisms and documentation will be for working with other countries. Therefore, I cannot now say: "All right, let's go ahead!" It is necessary to study all the documentation and the process of registration thoroughly. For example, for livestock supply, many permits are required, especially if it is coming from Europe without considering the Customs Union. Obtaining these permits may require a trip to another country and contacting various agencies. How will they react to this? Perhaps they will ask: "Sorry, your data as a supplier is in Kyrgyzstan. What are you doing here?" Therefore, before offering such services, it is necessary to study all aspects carefully.

Do you plan to expand your enterprise to other countries in the future?

— Most likely, no. Do you know why? Firstly, we have a family farm with a certain number of heads. We do not buy milk from the population because we do not know and do not trust its quality. Our products are organic and premium class. Today, we can only supply the city of Bishkek, and even that not fully. The volume is small, and we cannot supply products to all supermarkets, although they call and ask. We cannot expand because it requires a lot of effort and is ungrateful work. There are no weekends and holidays in this business, so you need to calculate your strength. Moreover, there is a problem with labor. Finding qualified workers is a catastrophe. Even if we expand, it may turn out that there is no one to work, and then we will go into the red. Robotization, of course, exists, but it is very expensive. Buying robots for 70 heads is not advisable. Automation, of course, is useful, but robots require a large farm. This again brings us back to what I said: robotization is beneficial for large farms, but then there is the human factor. At the moment, we do not plan significant development. We work, and everything is good for us. We sell products to the local population from our animals. The products are in demand; sometimes we cannot even meet all requests. If we consider additional investments, then perhaps in another area.

What other areas are you considering for yourself at the moment?

— For example, in education. We are currently investing in education, and it is paying off. Specifically, we are involved in sending students abroad. This is a special program aimed at education in IT, robotics, and agriculture. We received benefits and can accept students who have completed the 9th grade for education in the 10th-11th grades within one year. Simultaneously, they study the Japanese language and then go to Japan for further education. We just invest money in this area, and it is already working. This year we started the program and accepted 50 schoolchildren. The first year they study here, and then go to Japan. It is like a college: the 10th-11th grade in one year, and further education abroad. They can stay to work in Japan or return if they want. The program allows them to become specialists by the age of 22.

Azamat, we know that you went through a difficult ordeal, having a car accident and receiving a serious injury. Tell us how you found the strength and motivation to get back on your feet and rebuild your business?

— This story shows that no one is immune to such trials. I had a car accident, suffered a lumbar spine fracture, and underwent two surgeries in our country. These surgeries did not go as successfully as I would have liked because the injury was very severe. The spine is not just a bone but the most important part of the body that controls many functions. After the injury, I realized how important the spine is and how much depends on it.

As a result of the surgeries, I had to spend a year in bed without moving. I was in a state of atrophy; my lumbar region completely lost its function. The pain was constant, and this year was extremely difficult for me. I used to be active and cheerful, but now I was in a position that led me to depression. I had never experienced such deep depression before, and it was a real test. Despite this, I did not resign myself to the fact that I would remain paralyzed. I could not accept the idea that my life would be confined to a wheelchair. I had a family to support, and I knew I had to fight. At that time, we already had a farm and cows, which we worked with in the old way. For rehabilitation, I sold all this property. I contacted friends in Turkey, told them about my situation, and asked them to find a clinic specializing in spinal treatment. They quickly organized everything necessary, and I went for the third surgery in Turkey.

The surgery was complex and lasted 13 hours. The doctors removed the damaged vertebra, freed the spinal cord and nerves, and placed an implant. On the third day after the surgery, despite the pain, they put me on my feet. It was incredibly painful, but I managed to stand. After a month of rehabilitation in Turkey, I returned home. When I arrived, I could stand on my feet, although I did not fully feel them. My parents were very happy and cried with joy, seeing me in such a condition. The support of my family was enormous. We are traditionally very close-knit, and during this period, we especially supported each other. My mother, although she had aged from worries, continued to support me and remained strong. This support was very important in my recovery. After recovery, I continued to work and rebuilt my business. I found the strength and motivation to return to active life and engage in what interested me.

Share advice and recommendations with people who face difficulties but strive to achieve their goals.

— The most important thing is not to give up and not to settle for the current situation. When faced with difficulties, you need to keep fighting and look for solutions. For example, despite the severe injury, I went to the pool and gym every day to recover. It is important to develop your inner strength and perseverance. This will help overcome difficulties and move forward. When I started recovering, I simultaneously resumed creating the farm from scratch, despite all the challenges. Even if you start from scratch, it is important to se t clear goals and actively work towards achieving them. Small steps and consistent efforts can lead to big results. I was able to transform the farm, build a modern farm, and change the cattle. Faith is the foundation for many. For me, faith in Almighty Allah and the belief that everything around us is His creation was an important support. Faith helps maintain hope and resilience in difficult times. It is also important not to compromise your principles. Stick to your principles and stay true to yourself. This helps stay on the right path and not deviate from the planned course. And do not be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. It is important not only to rely on your strength but also to receive support from others. I am confident that this advice can help cope with difficulties and continue to move towards your goals, despite the obstacles that arise.

Azamat, thank you for the advice and inspiring interview!


From August 19 to 23, 2024, the 12th Auto Rally will take place in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. The event will involve 50 dairy market participants from nine countries. Registration for the Auto Rally in Kyrgyzstan is closed.

Gold sponsor: KIESELMANN

Bronze sponsor: Alfa L Service

Partner: "Dairy Association of Kyrgyzstan"

The material was prepared by Zaure Mederkhanova.

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