Deputy Serik Egizbaev shared this information during the Government Hour in the Mazhilis of the Parliament, which focused on enhancing the deep processing of livestock products.
“While livestock production is steadily developing and growing, deep processing remains minimal. The processing and food industry only accounts for 6 percent of the total industrial production in Kazakhstan. In 2023, the processing rates were 33% for milk, 41% for meat, 19% for wool, and just 6% for cattle hides,” Egizbaev explained.
He noted that imports of finished products are on the rise. In 2023, dairy imports increased by over 20 percent, reaching $400 million, while meat and meat product imports totaled $408 million.
“As a result of inadequate processing of meat and dairy products, we lose $800 million annually, which benefits foreign producers. The main reasons for this issue include inaccurate statistics. Experts estimate that figures are inflated by up to 2 million tons of milk and 1 million head of cattle. This is because a clear and transparent livestock registration system has not been established. It’s time to organize this sector and implement a unified system of statistical indicators for livestock farming and products using modern digital technologies,” the deputy emphasized.
