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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 its 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

• Number of Dairy Cattle (2023): Approximately 1.2 million
• Milk Production Volume (2023): Around 1.5 million metric tons
• Milk Processing Volume (2023): Approximately 600,000 metric tons

Key Dairy Products

• Cheese Production Volume (2023): Estimated at 8,500 metric tons
• Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume (2023): Approximately 3,000 metric tons

Significant Dairy Enterprises

Dairy Plants

• Ak-Sut
• Bishkek-Sut
• Kant Agribusiness
• Kyrgyz Meat and Dairy Plant

Dairy Farms

• Chui Valley Dairy Farm
• Balykchy Dairy Farm
• Issyk-Kul Dairy Cooperative
• Aravan Dairy Farm

Trade: Export and Import Data

• Export of Dairy Products (2023): $35 million
• Import of Dairy Products (2023): $10 million
• In 2024, the export of butter from Kyrgyzstan to Russia increased by 18%. From January to July 2024, the export of milk and cream to Uzbekistan significantly rose, reaching 100 tons valued at $104,000.

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 has seen 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 also noted a shift in coffee import patterns in 2024, reducing imports from Brazil while increasing supplies from Colombia and Kazakhstan.

Kyrgyzstan's dairy market continues to evolve with significant increases in milk production by 2.6% 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.

Sources: National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture, Local Dairy Cooperatives

Kyrgyzstan was a key importer of Russian dairy products. Fast food prices in Kyrgyzstan are lower than in Kazakhstan.

Modified: 2025/03/27