Why 934,000 Cows in Kyrgyzstan Cannot Support Farmers or Dairy Factories

Regional differences are significant. According to the data presented, in the Chuy region, purchase prices range fr om 35 to 47 soms per liter, in the Issyk-Kul region — 34 to 48 soms, which is the highest level in the country. In the Talas region, prices remain the lowest — 32 to 41 soms per liter.

This spread of almost 16 soms per liter means a difference of more than 50% between the minimum and maximum prices, which directly affects the income of farmers and production profitability.

Milk Production is Growing, but the Industry Structure Remains Unbalanced

According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, as of February 1, 2026, 86,878.4 tons of raw milk were produced in the country, which is 2.1% more than the previous year.

In total, there are 934,259 cows in the country.

However, the regional structure of production shows significant differences.

Major Milk Producers

According to the statistics table:

• Chuy region

  • 150,405 cows

  • 24,795 tons of milk

  • production growth 3.1%

• Issyk-Kul region

  • 149,812 cows

  • 16,509 tons of milk

  • growth 2.5%

• Osh region

  • 205,529 cows

  • 16,133 tons of milk

Thus, the Chuy region remains the largest dairy region in the country, providing almost a third of all milk production.

Together with the Issyk-Kul region, these two regions account for nearly half of Kyrgyzstan's milk production.

Industry Paradox: The South Holds the Herd, the North Holds Productivity

Analysis of the data table shows a key structural imbalance in the industry.

Southern Regions — More Cows, Less Milk

The largest cattle population is concentrated in the south:

• Jalal-Abad region — 210,935 cows

• Osh region — 205,529 cows

However, productivity here is significantly lower.

Average yield:

• Jalal-Abad region — 68.7 kg

• Osh region — 94.7 kg

North — Fewer Cows, but Higher Efficiency

The highest productivity is observed in the northern regions.

• Chuy region — 190.8 kg of milk per cow

• Issyk-Kul region — 130.9 kg

The average figure for the country is 111.7 kg.

Thus, a cow in the Chuy region produces almost three times more milk than in Jalal-Abad.

This is explained by:

• a more developed feed base

• a better breed composition of the herd

• a higher level of farming technology.

Decline in Urban Production

Major cities demonstrate an interesting trend.

According to statistics:

• Bishkek — a production decline of 14.4%

• Osh — a decline of 26.2%

This is due to ongoing urbanization and the decline of personal subsidiary farms.

Milk Price Depends on Fat Content

The actual price a farmer receives depends not only on the base rate but also on the milk's fat content.

For example:

• a base price of 36 soms per liter is calculated for a fat content of 3.4%

• if the milk has a fat content of 2.8%, the price drops to 29.64 soms

If the fat content is higher, the farmer receives more.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet Bakyt Torobaev provided examples of prices at dairy factories:

• 49.35 soms per liter at a fat content of 4.2%

• 33.82 soms at a fat content of 3%.

Processors Warn of Rising Dairy Prices

Dairy factories believe that a sharp increase in purchase prices may lead to higher product prices.

According to their estimates:

• pasteurized milk may rise by 20–30%

• butter — by 10–20%

At the same time, processors point out the problem of raw material quality. From 1 liter of raw milk, an average of only about 600 ml of pasteurized product is obtained.

If the factory buys milk at 40 soms, the actual cost of raw materials to produce 1 liter of finished milk reaches approximately 66–67 soms.

Decision on Base Price Expected by March 15

On March 11, the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce held a working meeting on forming base prices for raw milk.

According to Cabinet Resolution No. 724, base purchase prices are set twice a year:

• for the winter period — by September 15

• for the summer period — by March 15

Thus, a new price level could be determined in the coming days.

Main Problem — Production Structure

Experts note that the dispute over purchase prices reflects deeper industry problems.

The majority of milk in Kyrgyzstan is produced in personal subsidiary farms, wh ere:

• there are no unified feeding standards

• there is weak veterinary control

• the herd's genetic potential is low.

Additionally, the country lacks an independent laboratory quality control system for milk, so raw material parameters are determined directly by processing enterprises.

This limits farmers' ability to contest recalculating purchase prices and exacerbates tensions between producers and processors.