Spring Sowing Begins in Kyrgyzstan as Officials Stress Food Security

Spring sowing has begun in Kyrgyzstan, where agricultural crops are expected to be planted on a total of 1.25 million hectares in 2026, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. Of this area, about 818,000 hectares are irrigated land and 432,000 hectares are rainfed. As of March 12, sowing was underway in the southern regions of Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken, as well as in the Chui Valley. Fieldwork has not yet started in the colder regions of Talas, Issyk-Kul, and Naryn. Farmers have so far planted grain crops, including wheat and barley, along with potatoes and various vegetables. The ministry has recommended that farmers prioritize crops considered important for national food security. Turatbek Idrisov, head of the ministry’s Department of Plant Growing, Horticulture, and Cooperatives, said producers should focus on socially significant crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes, onions, and sugar beet. He noted that grain crops and sugar beet are included in the country’s list of strategic food reserves. According to ministry monitoring data, the expansion of livestock farming in recent years has led to increased cultivation of fodder crops, particularly barley and maize. Officials also noted that crops such as maize, raspberries, and strawberries have demonstrated relatively high profitability for farmers. The ministry is encouraging producers to adopt water-saving irrigation technologies, including drip and sprinkler systems. Farmers who implement such methods are eligible for state-supported concessional loans with reduced interest rates. Authorities say Kyrgyzstan is currently fully self-sufficient in six of nine socially significant food products, potatoes, milk, meat, vegetables, eggs, and sugar. However, the country remains partially dependent on imports of three key staples: bread products (including flour and grain), vegetable oil, and fruit.

Kyrgyzstan Launches Autumn Sowing of Winter Crops on 250,000 Hectares

Kyrgyzstan has launched its autumn sowing campaign, with winter crops expected to cover 250,000 hectares, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. To date, over 81,000 hectares, approximately one-third of the planned area, have already been sown with wheat and barley. “Sowing is underway in all regions of the country. The necessary agricultural equipment has been deployed, and a sufficient amount of seed material has been provided to meet the targets,” the ministry said. Experts note that work is proceeding within optimal agrotechnical timelines, with the campaign scheduled for completion by the end of November. In the Chui and Issyk-Kul regions, more than 40% of the targeted areas have already been sown, despite the campaign beginning only a month ago. In an experimental effort, one farm in the Chui region sowed 50 hectares with the Canadian wheat variety “Jersey,” known for its high yield and grain quality. Farmers state that adherence to agrotechnical standards, including timely soil preparation and the application of modern cultivation techniques, is crucial for achieving strong harvests. In the Talas region, farmers have already cultivated more than a third of the targeted sowing area. Other regions across the country are also progressing on schedule.