Balzhan Kuddasova, 42, farmer
Zhartytobe village, South Kazakhstan
On the starting point
We started the very first farm in 1996 in the Zhambyl region. In Astana there’s a branch farm and kymyzkhana launched in 2008 for koumiss’ healthy effect. It has 3 yurts standing for 3 million tenge each inside.
It was my husband who invested the money, we didn’t take any loans. 2 sheep have been turned into 50 thousand sheep and 500 horses. Today we’ve got 250 employees.
On production
These days we focus on the production of koumiss sold for 800 tenge per liter. 100-150 liters of fresh milk are produced daily, a liter of milk stands for 1500 tenge.
I have no idea where all the koumiss being sold in Astana is taken from as I’ve never seen so many horses in faubourgs.
Our horse stock being raised in Astana has increased from 10 to 30. It’s keeping on growing.
On koumiss
The way we produce koumiss is unique. A mare is milked and saumal is prepared. Having a container to keep koumiss larded with sour cream and treated with wheat or meadowsweet smoke, we pour koumiss in and add kora to alcoholize the drink. The more koumiss is kept ingrained, the tastier it gets.
On difficulties
There were no any vivid obstacles to face. Anyway, my husband was the one to solve them. We shared our responsibilities, managed to cope with a great many problems as we started in the 90’s.
On plans
We’re planning to keep working and helping people receive quality products. We’re going to launch some new koumiss brands.