The International Rice Festival is taking place today in the city of Uzgen. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Melioration of the Kyrgyz Republic, T. Aydaraliev, this rice festival is being organized for the first time in Central Asia. The International Rice Festival aims to draw public attention to the issues of rice cultivation and to address the problems faced by rice farmers in the republic.
Over the past three years, the area planted with rice in the republic has been increasing: in 2012 – 7.16 thousand hectares, in 2013 – 7.96 thousand hectares, and in 2014 – 8.1 thousand hectares. The yield is also increasing: in 2012 – 31.7 centners per hectare, in 2013 – 33.9 centners per hectare.
Particular significance is given to rice varieties cultivated in the republic, such as the unique relic red-grain varieties known as "Uzgen" rice, referred to as "Devzira." These varieties currently occupy an area of 600 hectares in the Osh region and 500 hectares in the Jalal-Abad region, or they occupy zones where they can be cultivated, as they are no longer successful in other places.
The remaining area planted with rice is occupied by local white-grain varieties, or the so-called "Batken" rice (varieties "Langar," "Ak-Turpak," "Jaidary," "Kelte-Kuruch," and others). Together with the "Uzgen" rice varieties, they occupy all the rice planting area in Kyrgyzstan and are in exceptional demand not only throughout Central Asia but also in Kazakhstan and Russia, thanks to the exceptionally high taste qualities of the pilaf made from it. Prices for such rice are high, making rice a profitable crop in Kyrgyzstan. If "Uzgen" rice is currently priced at around 150-160 soms per kilogram in the republic's markets, "Batken" rice is priced at about 100 soms. For reference, rice varieties currently imported into the republic from Kazakhstan, Russia, India, China, Korea, and Pakistan are priced at 50-60 soms per kilogram.
T. Aydaraliev stated that there are currently no seed production farms for rice in Kyrgyzstan, but rice producers place great importance on preparing planting material from local "Uzgen" and "Batken" rice varieties, selecting seeds from the best plants. This allows them to maintain or even increase rice yields, thanks to the professional skills acquired over many years in rice cultivation technology.
“As for breeding work with rice, the leaders and specialists of the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture have begun working closely with Iranian breeders, setting the goal of establishing official rice seed production while conducting selection in such a way as not to lose the best qualities of "Uzgen" and "Batken" rice,” added the minister.
Festival participants prepared various rice dishes. There is a demonstration of rice fields and mills (both electric and water-powered). Theatrical performances showcasing ancient rice processing methods are being presented. An exhibition of folk applied arts (items made of felt, silk, ceramics, etc.) has also been organized. The festival will be accompanied by a scientific-practical conference and a cultural concert program.
Representatives of the government, deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh, representatives of international organizations, and guests from Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are participating in the festival.
