Kyrgyz Republic has joined the international initiative "Doctors for Soils," launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This program focuses on the careful management of soil resources and improving their fertility.
According to information from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, soil is a vital natural resource that provides up to 95% of global food production.
In the mountainous terrain and diverse agricultural landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, issues of soil fertility preservation become particularly relevant. The country faces serious problems such as erosion, land degradation, and salinization, which negatively affect the sustainability of agriculture.
As part of the FAO program, a national phase of the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the K. K. Azykova Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture (KNIIZ). It aims to develop practical skills among farmers, agronomists, and specialists in the agricultural sector through the introduction of sustainable soil management practices.
From March 23 to 27, a training seminar is taking place in Bishkek, involving representatives from KNIIZ, agronomists, consultants, and farmers. The training includes both theoretical and practical sessions covering methods for diagnosing soil conditions, assessing its structure, acidity levels, and organic matter content.
The global initiative "Doctors for Soils," launched in 2020, is based on the principle of knowledge transfer from farmer to farmer and aims to prevent soil degradation and implement sustainable agricultural practices. It is expected that the implementation of this program in Kyrgyzstan will enhance the efficiency of soil resource use, improve the quality of agricultural products, and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector in the long term.
