Yakutia's Livestock Sector Mixed in 2023: Reindeer Up, Cattle Down; Government Intervenes
In Yakutia, 2023 brought mixed news for the livestock sector. While the number of reindeer and some key products like milk and eggs increased, many animals, including large horned cattle, cows, horses, pigs, and poultry, saw a decrease. The regional government has stepped in to address these changes.
The total number of large horned cattle in Yakutia stood at 158,911 heads in 2023, a decrease from previous years. Cows, another significant part of the livestock, also saw a reduction of 5.8%. Horses and poultry followed suit, with decreases of 1.5% and 9.0% respectively. Notably, pigs faced a significant drop of 15.6%.
However, not all news was bleak. The reindeer population grew by 1.8%, bucking the trend of other large animals. Additionally, milk yields and egg production increased by 15.3% each, indicating a boost in productivity. The regional government has attributed this to improved farming practices and better feed quality.
In response to these changes, the Yakutia regional government has issued instructions to agricultural enterprises and local producers to expand and modernize cattle and pig production. The goal is to ensure a stable supply for the local population and explore export opportunities, particularly with China. Despite the challenges, the region remains optimistic about its livestock sector's future.
