One of the major measures undertaken to implement the construction of socialism was the enforcement of the decree of 27 August 1928, “On the Confiscation of the Property of Wealthy Bai Households.” Under this decree, the livestock belonging to wealthy Kazakh herders was confiscated on a massive scale and redistributed among middle-income households. Collective farms, known as kolkhozes, began to be established.
A considerable amount of livestock that had not been officially registered was looted or wasted. As winter approached, much of the livestock transferred to middle-income households died because there was insufficient fodder and no proper shelter. Many owners slaughtered their animals rather than surrender them to collective farms. Wealthy herders who understood livestock management and traditional farming practices fled to other areas and faced persecution and repression.
Collectivisation proceeded so rapidly in nomadic districts that, in some places, its pace surpassed that of settled districts. For example, at the beginning of 1930, collectivisation had reached 61% in Arys District, which was considered a settled area, 63% in Sairam District, and 70% in Maktaaral District. In the nomadic district of Sozak, the figure had reached 80.7%.
