Agriculture
From The Report: Mongolia 2013
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Forty per cent of Mongolia’s population is employed in the agricultural sector, which makes up 15% of GDP. The sector, which involves the raising of livestock for meat and wool, as well as the cultivation of grains and vegetables, has the biggest impact on the lives of average Mongolians. What is particularly encouraging for Mongolia is the possibility of becoming self-sufficient in terms of food, but agriculture can do more than simply meet domestic needs. It is a major source of export revenues, second only to mining and minerals. Issues surrounding foreign investment in the mining sector have thrown a spotlight on the importance of developing a diverse economic base that will enable sustainable progress. Agriculture plays an important role in this economic model.

This chapter contains an interview with T. Nasankhuu, President of Monfresh Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Towards self-sufficiency: Care for environmental resources will ensure a sustainable future
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While mining and minerals represent the key to Mongolia’s future growth and wealth, agriculture is also a vital part of the economy. The sector, which involves the raising of livestock for both meat and wool, and to a lesser extent the cultivation of grains and vegetables, has the biggest impact on the lives of average Mongolians. Imported consumer goods are still very expensive, and much of the population remains quite poor. According to a recent World Bank report, Mongolians in the lowest…

Analysis

Tending the fields: Ambitious programmes to jump-start an under-regulated sector
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For years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mongolia pursued a relatively hands-off approach to agriculture. To a certain extent, this was just another element of reform, part and parcel with the end of centralisation. It was also a practical choice. The country is too big, and at the time too poor, to micromanage from the capital. The strategy was for Ulaanbaatar to write high-level legislation and regulation and leave implementation up to local authorities. This style of governing…

Interview

OBG talks to T. Nasankhuu, President, Monfresh Group
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Interview: T. Nasankhuu What are the difficulties in raising farming output? T. NASANKHUU: Milk, meat, cashmere, leather, wool and several vegetables are the main agricultural products. The challenge is that herders based in the countryside do not have a consistent revenue stream due to logistical deficits. During the summertime, when Mongolian milk supply for example is abundant, one litre of milk costs less than $0.20. However, production far exceeds demand and processing capabilities. As a result,…

Analysis

Significant potential: Meat could prove to be a major export given the prevalence of herding
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With approximately one head of cattle per person, 10 sheep and/or goats per capita, and a clean, healthy environment perfect for organic farming, Mongolia is in a good position not only to feed itself but to sell superior, high-grade, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat. The country has the potential to go from a marginal supplier of low-grade products such as horse meat to Russia, to a seller of very-high-margin beef, mutton and lamb to places like Japan, Korea, the US and Europe. “The meat…