Affordable and Nutritious: Potential New Meat Options Set to Debut in Kazakhstan Markets
Kazakhstan's Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Baglan Bekbauov, has indicated that nationwide sales of saiga antelope meat may be imminent. Bekbauov shared this information with a news correspondent, revealing that around 25 meat processing plants in the saiga antelope's habitat, namely West Kazakhstan, Akmola, Kostanai, Karaganda, Aktobe, and Ulytau regions, are prepared for canning saiga.
Twelve of these plants are currently in negotiations to address procedural issues, while the remaining 13 are ready to accept saiga according to all industry standards. Discussions regarding the sale and distribution of raw saiga meat have also taken place with meat processing enterprises, with the potential benefits of cheap, dietary, and biologically clean meat being highlighted.
The Veterinary Control Committee is ready to conduct comprehensive expert assessments and laboratory tests to ensure the safety of this meat for consumption once all necessary measures have been completed. However, it is important to note that sales can only commence following the government's decision on regulating saiga populations, a decision expected in the near future.
Bekbauov stated that talks with meat processing enterprises have been productive, and all parties have recognized the potential of saiga antelope meat. Initially, the domestic market will be targeted, with exports under discussion for future consideration.
The potential financial gains from saiga antelope meat have not been extensively documented, with conservation efforts having primarily taken precedence. However, it's worth considering potential strategies for capitalizing on this resource.
In many countries, regulated hunting can provide revenue through licensing fees and controlled hunting tourism. If Kazakhstan were to implement such practices, it could generate income from hunting permits and tourism-related activities. Estimates suggest that Kazakhstan could generate approximately $2.5 billion from saiga meat exports and up to $500 million from hunting development, provided that the saiga population is carefully managed and conservation goals are balanced with commercial activities.
The Vice-Minister of Agriculture, Baglan Bekbauov, mentioned the upcoming nationwide sales of saiga antelope meat and the readiness of several meat processing plants for canning. Potential financial benefits from saiga antelope meat are being considered, and if Kazakhstan were to implement regulated hunting practices, it could generate income from hunting permits and tourism-related activities, with estimates suggesting approximately $2.5 billion from saiga meat exports and up to $500 million from hunting development.
