Dairy Industry in Kyrgyzstan: An In-Depth Analysis

The dairy industry in Kyrgyzstan is a cornerstone of the country's agricultural sector, significantly contributing to the national economy. Recent years have witnessed notable growth in this sector, driven by increased production capacities and expanding export markets.

Dairy Cattle and Production Statistics

As of 2023, Kyrgyzstan had approximately 1.2 million dairy cattle, producing around 1.5 million metric tons of milk annually. The nation's milk processing capacity is robust, with about 600,000 metric tons processed each year. Cheese production has reached an estimated 8,500 metric tons, while milk powder and whey production are approximately 3,000 metric tons.

Significant Dairy Enterprises

Key players in the Kyrgyz dairy industry include prominent processing plants such as Ak-Sut, Bishkek-Sut, Kant Agribusiness, and the Kyrgyz Meat and Dairy Plant. Notable dairy farms like Chui Valley Dairy Farm, Balykchy Dairy Farm, Issyk-Kul Dairy Cooperative, and Aravan Dairy Farm significantly bolster the sector's strength.

Trade: Export and Import Data

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported dairy products worth $35 million, while imports stood at $10 million. The country is expanding its export markets, with butter exports to Russia increasing by 18% in 2024. Exports of milk and cream to Uzbekistan amounted to 100 tons, valued at $104,000. By 2025, Kyrgyzstan had exported 16,462 tons of dairy products in the first five months, with noticeable increases in cheese, butter, and powdered milk exports.

Key Events in the Dairy Market

Several significant events have shaped the Kyrgyz dairy market in recent years. In 2023, a new milk processing plant opened in Bishkek with a capacity of 200,000 liters per day. Government subsidies introduced in 2022 have supported local dairy farmers and boosted production. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan's dairy exports tripled in the first eight months, underscoring the sector's growing economic importance. However, exports of milk and cream decreased by 14% in the first nine months of the same year.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

The Kyrgyz dairy market continues to evolve, with a 2.6% increase in milk production recorded in 2024. A new pricing mechanism for raw milk aims to ensure transparency and stability in the market. Efforts to improve cattle breeds focus on high-yield types such as Simmental and Aberdeen Angus, with the Ministry of Agriculture investing 60 million som in enhancing breeding stock by importing elite bull semen from Russia and receiving donations from Switzerland. Kyrgyzstan remains a key market for Russian dairy exports, benefiting from minimal trade barriers. The first half of 2025 saw a 12.3% increase in agricultural producer prices compared to the same period in 2024, with a 12.4% increase in June 2025 compared to June 2024.

With growing exports and strategic market initiatives, Kyrgyzstan's dairy industry is poised for further growth, reinforcing its role as a key player in the Central Asian dairy market. The average milk yield per cow in Kyrgyzstan was 1178.8 kg from January to July 2025. According to the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, several regions such as Chuy Region, Talas Region, and Issyk-Kul Region exceeded the national average in milk yield. The city of Bishkek also contributed significantly with an average yield of 1691.7 kg per cow.

Kyrgyzstan's Dairy Sector Shows 2.1% Growth by August 2025

Production exceeds 1 million tons with raw milk production in Kyrgyzstan continuing to show positive dynamics, playing a key role in ensuring food security and rural development. By August 1, 2025, the total production of raw milk in the republic reached 1,068,634.8 tons. This is 2.1% more compared to the same period in 2024. More than 90% of all production comes from private farms and farmer cooperatives.

Kyrgyzstan was an initial source of raw milk for Amiran. Due to the lack of quality raw milk in Kazakhstan, Amiran initially imported milk from Kyrgyzstan, which was costly and unstable.

Modified: 2025/09/04