Ensuring food security in dairy market of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Objective - study the current state and determine the prospects of milk and dairy products market of Kazakhstan in the context of ensuring food security of the country. Methods - in theoretical section of publication, general scientific methods were used, which made it possible to ensure the validity and reliability of generalizations, conclusions and proposals. The information base of scientific work consisted of materials of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, current regulatory legal acts. Secondary information was collected and analyzed. The initial data were indicators of development of dairy sector for 2022-2024. Results - the situation in the dairy subcomplex of the republic was analyzed, the existing trends were identified. It is shown that despite the reduction in the number of cows in agricultural enterprises (from 9.3% in 2022 to 8% in 2024), the share of milk production in them increased, respectively, from 15.8 to 19.3% in 2024, which is explained by growth in the efficiency of dairy farming industry in economic entities. The increase in volume of cow's milk produced in agricultural enterprises was achieved due to excess of the rate of increase in livestock productivity compared to dynamics of their population growth. Conclusions - it has been determined that one of the main reasons limiting the potential of dairy cattle breeding is shortage of feed, production volumes of which are significantly less than required in accordance with zootechnical standards. The factors influencing the level of food security of dairy segment of agro-industrial complex are identified, and measures of state support are proposed as main guarantor of its provision. The low level of profitability of milk production does not contribute to attracting investment. It is necessary to develop strategy aimed at import substitution, increasing competitiveness of national product, maintaining economic and physical accessibility for the population.