Kazakhstan's Sarzhal village thrives on booming kumis production from mare's milk

Kumis production is flourishing in Sarzhalsky, a rural district in Kazakhstan's Abai region. The traditional fermented mare's milk drink has become a key part of local life, with nearly every household keeping dairy mares. A dedicated facility, Krestyanskoye Khozyaistvo Zharylgasy, now produces up to 100 liters daily, while larger farms supply even more to health institutions across the region.

The village of Sarzhal, home to over 2,000 people, relies heavily on livestock farming. With 7,500 horses and 6,000 cattle spread across 73 family farms, the harsh climate makes crop farming nearly impossible. Instead, the entire working-age population focuses on raising animals, particularly mares for kumis production.

The drink's reputation stems from its rich flavour, which locals credit to age-old techniques. Producers smoke barrels with spirea branches and churn the milk thoroughly, giving Sarzhanskaya kumis its distinctive taste. Annual output reaches 500–600 tons, with farms like Asen—which owns 140 horses—producing up to 200 liters a day.

Government support has further boosted production. Eight local farms receive subsidies of 60 tenge per liter for raw mare's milk, increasing supply. Contracts with health facilities, including the Semey Regional Tuberculosis Dispensary and children's sanatoriums, ensure steady demand. The Krestyanskoye Khozyaistvo Zharylgasy facility, launched in 2021 with a 5 million tenge investment, was the vision of local entrepreneur Yerzhan Bisenov.

Sarzhalsky's kumis industry now supports both the local economy and public health. The drink's high quality and strong demand have secured contracts with medical institutions. With continued subsidies and traditional methods, production is set to remain a vital part of the region's future.