On the air of Birinchi Radio, the head of the food security department of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, Uran Chekirbaev, spoke about the current situation regarding food security in the country. Despite a stable level of basic products, the republic continues to experience dependence on imports in certain categories.
Chekirbaev noted that food security in Kyrgyzstan is subject to seasonal fluctuations, and therefore monthly analyses of the level of provision are conducted. In winter and summer months, these indicators vary. For example, before the new potato harvest arrives on the market, the level of provision decreases, but with the start of the harvest, it increases. By the end of 2024, the republic provided itself with six types of products, and in 2025, it is expected that this figure will remain at the level of five to six types.
According to the official, the republic continues to depend on external supplies for some products.
“We provide ourselves with six products, but for three—vegetable oil, grain, and poultry meat—import dependence remains. We are also not fully self-sufficient in sugar: last year the level reached 100%, but this year, due to weather conditions, it may decrease from six to five,” he explained.
Chekirbaev also mentioned the risks associated with the grain harvest, noting climate changes in the Chui region that have negatively affected crops and reduced harvest volumes in several areas.
Nevertheless, in the south of the country, there is a growth of small farms producing eggs and poultry meat, which allows for meeting internal needs for these products.
He added that Kyrgyz farmers find it difficult to compete with producers from Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine in the grain sector. The reason for this is the low cost of production and more developed seed production in these countries. Therefore, many farmers are shifting to growing vegetables, fruits, and berries. Chekirbaev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan can import those products in which it is not competitive and develop its strengths in agriculture.
At the same time, according to him, the republic has competitiveness in livestock. “We are fully self-sufficient in this area, have good pastures, and export products. Kyrgyzstan is competitive in the production of vegetables, potatoes, red meat, and dairy products,” concluded the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture.
