Meat production and traditional meat products in Kazakhstan: intensification and digitalization of technologies

The transformation of the meat sector in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the production of traditional meat products require the introduction of innovative technologies, the digitalization of production processes, and the modernization of meat processing enterprises.

The objective – is to analyze the current state of the republic’s meat industry, assess the level of automation and digital solutions adoption, and substantiate directions for improving the efficiency of meat and domestic meat product production.

Methods – statistical, comparative, and economic analyses were employed to evaluate production performance and cost structures. Based on the statistical processing of data, key trends were identified, including growth in the horse population, an increase in the share of meat processed into traditional delicacies, and a significant shift in the foreign trade balance in favor of both exports and imports. Correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between the level of enterprise digitalization and indicators of productivity, production costs, and profitability. The assessment revealed a steady increase in the output of meat products; however, a high proportion of small-scale farms and an insufficient level of deep raw material processing persist.

Results – the implementation of digital technologies, automated feeding systems, livestock monitoring, RFID tagging, and digital food traceability enables productivity optimization by 15–25%, reduces losses, and improves product quality. It was established that the principal challenges facing the meat industry include worn-out equipment, insufficient investment, weak digital infrastructure in rural areas, and a low degree of integration between primary producers and processing enterprises.

Conclusions – the authors recommend expanding digital production management platforms, modernizing meat processing enterprises, strengthening cooperation, and stimulating investment in innovative technologies. The implementation of these measures will create opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of domestic meat products, promote import substitution, and increase the country’s export potential. Overall, the meat industry demonstrates stable positions in both domestic and international markets, creating favorable prospects for its further development.

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