Kyrgyzstan refuses to forgive those who sold livestock certificates to Uzbekistan

The Chairman of the State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan, Almambet Shikmamatov, said that he cannot forgive the debts of those who obtained certificates for cattle in large quantities and sold them to Uzbekistan. He made this statement at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Budget and Fiscal Policy held on September 15.

According to him, earlier this summer deputies said that the State Tax Service would write off the debts of many farmers. Lawmakers asked to cancel the debts of livestock farmers with large arrears and exempt them from taxes.

“Due to the sharp increase in meat prices, the State Committee for National Security launched inspections in Alabuk, Jalal-Abad and Batken. As a result, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and civil servants were arrested. All the heads of companies involved in these schemes were also arrested,” Shikmamatov said.

He recalled that certificates were being purchased in bulk from the Ministry of Agriculture and then sold to Uzbekistan, stressing that such violations cannot be forgiven.

“We cannot exempt them from taxes, we cannot interfere in the investigation,” the head of the State Tax Service added.

In recent months, meat prices in Kyrgyzstan have increased by 15–20 percent, limiting access to one of the population’s basic food needs. The main reason for the increase is the rise in exports of livestock and meat products. Large volumes of live animals and meat sent abroad have reduced domestic supply and put pressure on prices. In addition, illegal exports across the border — smuggling — have worsened the problem, as this process bypasses official control.

The rise in feed prices, especially for fodder and straw, has made livestock farming more expensive and raised producers’ costs, directly affecting meat prices. The reduction of pastures, drought, and feed shortages are also leading to a decline in livestock numbers.

Another factor is the large number of intermediaries in the market who artificially inflate prices. In some cases, traders store meat in warehouses to create artificial shortages and increase profits. Seasonal demand, especially in winter and before holidays, also drives prices upward. Exchange rate fluctuations add further pressure, raising the cost of imported feed, medicines, and equipment. Together, these factors have disrupted price stability and prompted the government to take urgent measures.

Earlier, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Processing announced the introduction of state control over meat prices in Kyrgyzstan for an indefinite period. The purpose is to prevent further price hikes, regulate the import and export of livestock across the border, and introduce quantitative restrictions on exports. Relevant authorities have been instructed to continuously monitor prices and combat smuggling.