Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Despite the global increase in meat prices, Uzbekistan continues to rank among the countries with the most affordable meat. This was stated by the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan.

According to FAO data, global meat prices are being driven upward by slower production, increased demand from major importers, and rising feed and logistics costs. Since the beginning of the year, poultry prices have increased by 9.7% in Russia and 4.7% in Kazakhstan. Against this backdrop, prices in Uzbekistan have remained relatively stable.

Currently, on government-subsidized market stalls, beef and lamb are sold for 65,000–75,000 soums per kilogram, while regular market prices range from 90,000 to 95,000 soums, and in shopping centers, from 95,000 to 100,000 soums. In Tashkent, meat sold at these affordable prices accounts for up to 18% of all sales, with the majority priced at 90,000–95,000 soums. Boneless cuts (fillets) are sold in limited volumes—only 1–2% of the total, priced at 110,000–130,000 soums per kilogram.

To meet the needs of households with varying income levels, meat is sold in parts: meat with bones (ragout) at 25,000–30,000 soums/kg, ribs at 85,000–95,000 soums, and fillet at 110,000–130,000 soums/kg.

Comparative analysis shows that beef prices are approximately US$10–12 per kg in Russia, up to US$11 in Kazakhstan, up to US$10 in Tajikistan, and up to US$14 in Türkiye. In developed countries, the price is significantly higher — around US$46.20 in Sweden and US$28 in South Korea.

Thus, Uzbekistan ranks second in meat price affordability in Central Asia, behind only Kyrgyzstan.

However, despite the price accessibility, meat production faces several challenges. In the first quarter of 2025, the cost of animal feed, fuel, and electricity rose sharply. The feed availability for livestock remains low — just 35–40% of needs.

Since October 2024, feed prices have increased significantly: oilcake rose from 3,000 to 7,000 soums/kg, compound feed from 2,900 to 3,700 soums, wheat from 2.2 million to 3.5 million soums per ton, and alfalfa from 25,000 to 45,000 soums per bale.

Nevertheless, in 2024, Uzbekistan produced 2.9 million tons of meat (live weight), equivalent to 1.7 million tons of dressed meat, with imports totaling only 93,000 tons (5.4% of domestic consumption). Most imported meat is processed, with the remainder sold at subsidized markets.

Reforms in livestock farming over the past five years have shown tangible results: the number of animals on specialized farms has doubled, and output has tripled. The number of pedigree farms increased from 400 to 1,900, and the share of purebred livestock reached 70–75%.

Uzbekistan continues to implement comprehensive programs to ensure the population’s access to quality meat and to support the sustainable development of the meat industry.