Beans are an important agricultural crop grown not only in Kyrgyzstan but also in China, India, and Southeast Asian countries. Each year, there is a growing interest in this product on the international stage. Kyrgyz beans are especially valued for their quality characteristics, making them attractive for export. However, local farmers face challenges related to market prices for their products. As a result, there is a need for a bean processing plant in the region.
“To support farmers and ensure price stability, we buy beans at 95 soms. After processing and packaging, they are sent for export. We have established connections with buyers in Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, India, and other countries. We also use our own funds for purchases,” Zamirbekov explained.
“The situation is complicated by traffic jams at the border with Kazakhstan and Russia, as well as high delivery costs to Iran, even with the availability of cargo transport,” he added.Every year, the Talas region exports about 50,000 tons of beans to more than 20 countries. The plenipotentiary representative of the president in Talas, Ermat Jumayev, stated in an interview for the "Kabar" podcast that bean prices vary from year to year:
“Last year, the price of red beans was 105–120 soms, while the 'shovel' variety reached up to 150 soms. This year, prices have decreased: red beans cost 90–95 soms, and 'shovel' beans are 110 soms. We strive to ensure that farmers' labor is not in vain. Talas beans account for about 4% of the global market, while the rest of the supplies come from Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, and other countries. We cannot influence global prices,” Jumayev noted.
“In our region, 7–8 large companies export more than 5,000 tons, while smaller ones export up to 1–2 thousand tons per year. We plan to build a bean processing plant to supply products under the brand Made in KG. We are negotiating with major retail chains in Russia, Turkey, and other countries, which will yield significant economic benefits,” Jumayev added.Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Academician Zhamin Akimaliyev emphasized that beans are a more common crop in Talas than others, and it is necessary to build processing enterprises.
“To avoid problems with sales and prices after harvest, it is necessary to build factories. Such enterprises in other countries not only process but also package products according to contracts. This is beneficial for both farmers and exporters. It is important to conclude contracts with buyers in advance — a year before sowing — to discuss volumes, prices, and possible risks,” he noted.
“Beans should not be planted continuously in the same fields. It is necessary to reduce the area of sowing and alternate it with other crops, such as grains and perennial grasses. Sugar beets grow well in Talas, so it is worth implementing a crop rotation system,” he concluded.
