As of today, 61,650 yaks are recorded in Kyrgyzstan, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main regions where yaks are raised include Naryn, Issyk-Kul and Osh regions, whose high-altitude pastures provide the most suitable ecological conditions for yak husbandry.
Yaks are kept on pastures year-round and are known for their exceptional resilience to extreme climatic conditions, including temperatures as low as –40°C. They are used for meat, dairy and wool production and demonstrate stable productivity in high-altitude environments.
In the context of climate change and increasing pasture degradation, the Ministry views yak farming as a promising and sustainable livestock sector. Yaks are able to live, reproduce and remain productive in environments unsuitable for conventional livestock, at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters above sea level.
Due to their tolerance to cold, drought and poor forage resources, yak farming is of particular importance for regions affected by climate variability — including shifting seasons, reduced precipitation and drought — as well as land degradation, such as soil erosion and loss of vegetation cover. Moreover, the use of remote high-altitude pastures helps reduce pressure on near-village grazing lands.
At present, scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, together with the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures, operating under the Ministry, have established a working group. Research is being conducted at the “Zhaichy” farm named after T. Akmatov (Ton District) and focuses on the testing and formal recognition of white yaks as a distinct breed group.
In parallel, farmers Baatyrbek Akmatov (Ton District) and Tashtanbek Akmatov (Naryn Region) have been engaged in selective breeding of white yaks since 2003. Their long-term efforts have yielded positive results, and in 2025, during the Agrodialogue–2025 Forum organized by the Ministry, Baatyrbek Akmatov was awarded the title of “Champion” in white yak breeding. This achievement has contributed to growing interest among farmers in developing yak husbandry.
The Ministry intends to continue supporting the development of yak farming, strengthening scientific backing for breeding programs and providing sustained support to farmers as part of a resilient approach to high-altitude livestock production.
📌 Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic
