Kyrgyzstan: A Comprehensive Overview of the Dairy Industry

The dairy industry in Kyrgyzstan remains a crucial part of the nation\'s agricultural landscape, exhibiting significant growth and increasing importance in recent years. This report covers essential statistics, prominent enterprises, and notable events shaping the dairy market in Kyrgyzstan.

Dairy Cattle and Production Statistics

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan had approximately 1.2 million dairy cattle, producing around 1.5 million metric tons of milk. The milk processing volume was approximately 600,000 metric tons.

Key Dairy Products

Cheese production in 2023 was estimated at 8,500 metric tons, while milk powder and whey production reached approximately 3,000 metric tons.

Significant Dairy Enterprises

Key dairy plants include Ak-Sut, Bishkek-Sut, Kant Agribusiness, and the Kyrgyz Meat and Dairy Plant. Notable dairy farms are the Chui Valley Dairy Farm, Balykchy Dairy Farm, Issyk-Kul Dairy Cooperative, and Aravan Dairy Farm.

Trade: Export and Import Data

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported dairy products worth $35 million and imported $10 million worth of dairy products. In 2024, butter exports to Russia increased by 18%, and exports of milk and cream to Uzbekistan reached 100 tons, valued at $104,000.

By 2025, Kyrgyzstan produced 291,600 tons of milk in the first quarter, and butter exports to Kazakhstan in January-February reached 71.8 tons worth $432,000, which is 2.3 times higher than the same period in 2024. The country exported 16,462 tons of dairy products in the first five months of 2025, with significant growth in cheese, butter, and powdered milk categories.

Key Events in the Dairy Market

• 2024: Significant increase in butter exports to Russia by 18%.
• 2024: Milk and cream exports to Uzbekistan increased, reaching 100 tons and valued at $104,000.
• 2023: Opening of a new milk processing plant in Bishkek with a capacity of 200,000 liters per day.
• 2022: Implementation of government subsidies for dairy farmers to enhance local production.
• 2024: Kyrgyzstan saw a tripling of dairy exports over the first eight months, signaling the sector\'s growing importance to the economy.
• 2024: Exports of milk and cream from Kyrgyzstan decreased by 14% in the first nine months.

Kyrgyzstan has also adjusted its coffee import patterns in 2024, reducing imports from Brazil while increasing supplies from Colombia and Kazakhstan. The dairy market continues to evolve with a 2.6% increase in milk production in 2024 and advances in export strategies, especially to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries. With over 33,000 tons of milk and dairy products exported in 2024, the country\'s market holds a critical role within the region, complemented by the introduction of a new pricing mechanism for raw milk to ensure transparency and stability.

Modified: 2025/05/18