Kazakhstan Plans to Increase Meat Production by 1.5 Times
Meat livestock production remains a priority for Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, but productivity levels still lag well behind global standards. The government has approved a comprehensive development plan for 2026–2030 aimed at boosting meat output, renewing livestock herds, and strengthening export potential.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, key challenges include low animal productivity, limited breeding programs, dependence on pasture and feed conditions, and veterinary risks. Average daily weight gains and calf output per breeding cow remain significantly below global benchmarks.
To address these issues, the plan предусматривает preferential financing, expanded scientific and breeding support, modernization of pasture infrastructure, and wider adoption of modern technologies.
The program includes long-term loans at interest rates of 5–6%, leasing schemes for feed-harvesting machinery and equipment, and support for transhumant (pasture-based) livestock systems. Additional measures focus on restoring degraded pastures, expanding artificial insemination using sexed semen, and establishing a specialized embryo reproduction laboratory for cattle. Funding of 66 billion tenge has been allocated for upgrading veterinary infrastructure in 2026–2027.
Implementation of the plan is expected to increase the cattle herd to 12 million head and small ruminants to 28 million head, while raising meat production from 1.2 million to 1.8 million tons. To improve farmers’ access to financing, the Ministry plans to involve not only the Agrarian Credit Corporation but also commercial banks, credit partnerships, and social-entrepreneurial corporations.
Industry representatives generally support the plan but call for simplified borrowing requirements, unified lending conditions, and stronger veterinary safeguards. Farmers also emphasize that exports should become a key driver of the program and advocate for a gradual easing of export restrictions.
The success of the plan will depend on effective access to financing and the practical implementation of measures to improve pastures, feed supply, and veterinary services.
More details on meatinfo.com
