According to him, the ministry is actively working on involving farmers in trade through fairs, which are becoming an important channel for selling products.
“Almost all farms participate in fairs. In addition, with the support of the city administration, fairs are regularly organized in the 12th microdistrict,” Chekirbaev noted.
Despite this, he emphasized that access to urban markets for farmers remains difficult.
“This is indeed a problem, as farmers cannot always get to the markets. Intermediaries with greater financial resources and the ability to work constantly begin to dominate here. It is difficult for farmers to be present at the market regularly, as they need to travel long distances and attend to other matters,” he added.
Chekirbaev also reminded that during the Soviet era, markets in Bishkek, such as Alamedin, Orto-Sai, and Osh, were created specifically for the direct sale of products by farmers.
“After the reforms and the transition of these markets into private hands, their original function was lost. Nevertheless, they remain the most visited trading places in the city,” he noted.
In Chekirbaev's opinion, it is worth considering the possibility of returning key markets to state ownership.
“It would be reasonable to return these markets to the state and create special areas for farmers in their centers, where they could sell their products directly. This would attract farmers, as sales would happen faster,” he added.
He also noted that private trade around the markets can continue, however, the “main function of the markets” should be social.
“Based on these markets, we can organize farmer points where producers will sell their products directly. I realize that this is not easy, but I hope that the government will return to this issue in the future,” concluded the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture.
