Overview of Turkmenistan's Dairy Industry

Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is making significant strides in its dairy industry to enhance self-sufficiency in food production. The country is focusing on modernizing its agricultural practices to boost dairy output, which is a crucial part of its broader agricultural development strategy.

Dairy Cattle

The foundation of Turkmenistan's dairy production lies in its substantial herd of approximately 700,000 dairy cattle. The government actively promotes initiatives to increase this number, supporting the country's goal of enhancing dairy production capabilities.

Milk Production and Processing

Turkmenistan's annual milk production is estimated at about 2 million liters. This growing capacity reflects ongoing efforts to further increase production. Approximately 1.3 million liters of this milk are processed each year, with a strong focus on expanding processing capabilities to fully utilize the available raw milk.

Cheese, Milk Powder, and Whey Production

The country produces roughly 300 tons of cheese annually, concentrating on traditional varieties that align with local preferences. There is a growing interest in diversifying cheese production. Currently, the production of milk powder and whey is limited, with a combined output of around 100 tons per year, but this sector is expected to grow due to increased investment in processing technology.

Dairy Plants and Farms

Key dairy plants such as "Türkmen Süt" and "AkGaýa" manufacture a range of products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. Notable dairy farms like "Awaza Farm" and "Ahal Dairy" play a significant role in the national milk production volumes. In the Ahal Province, the Süýtli ýaýla livestock complex is a modern facility housing more than 1,600 head of cattle on nearly 600 hectares of land.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

Turkmenistan exports about 50 tons of dairy products annually, primarily to neighboring countries. Imports are limited to approximately 70 tons, focusing on cheese and other diverse dairy products to meet local demand.

Dairy Market Events

A significant recent development is the imposition of a 10% tariff on dairy imports from most post-Soviet countries. This has encouraged local enterprises to enhance production and reduce dependency on imports. Additionally, ATENA, one of the exporters, is actively participating in international exhibitions to broaden its market reach.

Overall, Turkmenistan's dairy industry is evolving with a clear focus on increasing production, enhancing processing capabilities, and adapting to new economic conditions, positioning itself as a growing contender in the Central Asian dairy market.

Modified: 2025/05/18

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