New Meat Processing Plant Opens in Ulyken Naryn to Stabilize Local Prices

A new processing facility has opened in Ulyken Naryn District, aiming to stabilise meat prices in the region. The Naryn Agro-2024 cooperative launched the plant to address local market fluctuations. Despite its potential, the cooperative now faces a shortage of skilled workers to keep operations running smoothly.

The facility produces canned meat, including premium beef and horse meat stews, as well as fish. Its labels feature images of the district's landscapes, giving the products a distinct local identity. Most sales currently come from within Ulyken Naryn itself.

The cooperative secured funding through the Aul Amanaty programme, receiving a subsidized loan of 29 million tenge. This money went towards purchasing processing equipment for the new plant. Once operational, the facility began turning out up to 600 cans of meat per shift, reaching 1,200 cans daily.

Production follows strict quality controls. Ingredients are measured precisely before being sterilised at high temperatures. Each batch undergoes a final inspection to ensure safety and consistency. The plant's output adds to the district's growing agricultural sector, which produced over 3,000 tons of meat in 2025 alone. Beyond processing, the region is expanding its livestock capacity. The village of Solonovka is building a new farm capable of holding 600 head of cattle. Ulyken Naryn's climate and terrain make it well-suited for farming, livestock breeding, and fishing, supporting both local consumption and small-scale production. Yet challenges remain. The cooperative still needs to fill key roles, including a machinery operator, a veterinarian, and a driver. Without these staff, maintaining full production could prove difficult. While national demand for preserved foods has risen since 2022—driven by inflation and supply chain issues—regional growth in food processing has been slow due to economic struggles in rural areas.

The Naryn Agro-2024 cooperative's new plant is now supplying canned meat to the local market. Its success depends on overcoming labour shortages and sustaining production levels. If fully staffed, the facility could play a key role in meeting regional food needs while supporting the district's agricultural economy.