Kyrgyzstan's Dairy Industry Overview

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan's dairy industry stood as a cornerstone of its agricultural sector, boasting approximately 1.2 million dairy cattle. The country produced around 1.5 million metric tons of milk annually, showcasing its robust dairy capabilities.

Dairy Production and Processing

Kyrgyzstan's processing capacity is noteworthy, with about 600,000 metric tons of milk processed each year. Cheese production is estimated at 8,500 metric tons, while milk powder and whey production reach approximately 3,000 metric tons. Major enterprises such as Ak-Sut, Bishkek-Sut, Kant Agribusiness, and the Kyrgyz Meat and Dairy Plant are instrumental in these operations. Dairy farms like Chui Valley Dairy Farm and Issyk-Kul Dairy Cooperative also play significant roles in the industry.

Trade: Export and Import Dynamics

In 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported dairy products worth $35 million and imported products worth $10 million. An 18% increase in butter exports to Russia was observed in 2024, while exports of milk and cream to Uzbekistan reached 100 tons, valued at $104,000. By the first five months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan had exported 16,462 tons of dairy products, with notable increases in cheese, butter, and powdered milk exports.

Key Market Events

Several significant developments have recently impacted the Kyrgyz dairy market. A new milk processing plant opened in Bishkek in 2023, with a capacity of 200,000 liters per day. Government subsidies introduced in 2022 have further supported local farmers, resulting in tripled dairy exports in the first eight months of 2024. However, there was a 14% decrease in milk and cream exports during 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. Efforts to improve cattle breeds focus on high-yield types such as Simmental and Aberdeen Angus, supported by a 60 million som investment from the Ministry of Agriculture. The first half of 2025 saw a 12.3% increase in agricultural producer prices, reflecting a positive trend.

Kyrgyzstan remains a key market for Russian dairy exports, benefiting from minimal trade barriers. By August 2025, raw milk production reached 1,068,634.8 tons, marking a 2.1% growth from 2024. More than 90% of this production comes from private farms and cooperatives. The average milk yield per cow was 1,178.8 kg from January to July 2025, with regions like Chuy and Issyk-Kul exceeding the national average.

Challenges and Collaborations

The Eurasian Economic Union, of which Kyrgyzstan is a part, faces increasing counterfeit dairy product issues. Nonetheless, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are working together to develop interstate standards for national dairy products. Despite the challenges, the Kyrgyz dairy sector shows resilience, contributing to food security and rural development while positioned for further growth. Tetra Pak supplies to Kyrgyzstan and is part of the Central Asian market served by the company.

Modified: 2025/09/16