Decision taken to cap meat price at 770 soms – Akunbekov

Kyrgyzstan has introduced a six-month moratorium on livestock exports to lower meat prices, and 10 foodtrucks selling meat at 680 soms have been launched in Bishkek on a pilot basis. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov announced this at today's session of the Supreme Council.

Akunbekov said livestock brought from Russia is still sold below market prices, even after transport costs are added. As a result of these measures, livestock prices have fallen slightly. The Antimonopoly Regulation Service has decided that the meat price must not exceed 770 soms. 'We plan that meat will become even cheaper through these actions,' the minister said.

Akunbekov noted that when lowering meat prices, the interests of consumers must be balanced with those of farmers engaged in livestock breeding. To make livestock cheaper, feed prices must be lowered first, and work in this direction is ongoing. He also said that two preferential lending options are available and financing is being provided as far as possible. According to the ministry, the measures include commodity intervention and preferential lending.