From January to September 2024, Kazakhstan showed growth in the animal breeding sector, with the index of physical volume (IPV) of gross livestock production increasing by 3.3% compared to the same period last year.
However, despite this positive figure, the data reveals areas that require careful analysis and close attention to long-term trends.
During the reporting period, the volume of livestock and poultry slaughtered or sold for slaughter increased by 3.9%. Production of cow’s milk grew by 4.2%, and chicken egg production increased by 1%. Additionally, the average milk yield per dairy cow rose by 5.6%, and the average egg output per laying hen increased by 3.9%. At first glance, these indicators reflect positive development in the sector.
However, as of October 1, 2024 45.5% of cattle are found in household farms, 44.2% in peasant and farm enterprises, and only 10.3% in agricultural enterprises. The situation is reversed in pig farming, where 54.3% of pigs are concentrated in agricultural enterprises. This uneven distribution suggests low capital concentration in individual farms and highlights risks of inefficiency and low productivity due to the predominance of small farmers.
The stable growth in key indicators should not obscure the challenges associated with dependence on small farmers and household farms. Faced with rising global competition and stricter product quality requirements, Kazakhstan’s animal husbandry sector must adapt by investing in technological advancements and improving production efficiency.
Kazakhstan’s animal breeding sector in 2024 shows promising signs of growth, but its sustainability depends on structural reforms. Ensuring even distribution of investments across farms and promoting large-scale production will help strengthen the sector and enhance its global competitiveness.
