The Kyrgyz Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry has called on farmers to actively plant corn, soybeans, sorghum, and other fodder crops for animal feed. The appeal was published on the ministry’s website.
According to the ministry, these crops are used to produce green fodder for livestock during the winter months, when pastures are bare. This practice is particularly important in regions with developed livestock farming.
Naryn region, for example, is the coldest in the country but also a leader in livestock production. Experts say expanding fodder crop cultivation would strengthen the sector’s resilience, boost meat and dairy output, and support overall agricultural growth.
The ministry noted that each autumn, prices for hay and feed rise sharply due to shortages. In Chui region, many farmers prefer to grow alfalfa to fatten livestock. Alfalfa is also used for hay bales, but it is highly water-intensive. Given Kyrgyzstan’s limited water resources and reliance on flood irrigation, this can lead to disputes between farmers.
While alfalfa remains popular, the ministry stressed that it is not suitable for all regions.
As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kyrgyz authorities recently imposed price controls on meat amid growing exports to neighboring countries. One of the factors behind the price hikes was a shortage of animal feed.
