The Ministry of Agriculture is currently conducting negotiations with Uzbekistan regarding the export of Kyrgyz potatoes. The primary obstacle is the Uzbek side's demand for Value Added Tax (VAT) payments, according to Asylbek Satybaldiev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh Committee on Agrarian Policy on November 9.
Farmers face crop losses and low prices
MP Tabyldy Muratbekov reported that farmers in the Issyk-Kul, Tyup, and Ak-Suu districts are struggling with low potato prices. In many cases, the harvested crops have already begun to rot in storage facilities.
To address the situation, the Ministry has implemented a ban on potato imports. Officials are also analyzing the volume of stored potatoes and identifying the specific farmers holding stock in various warehouses.
Future logistics and state support
To improve export capabilities, the government plans to establish regional warehouses by 2027. These centers, which could be developed through public-private partnerships, will allow farmers to export products more efficiently. Additionally, strawberry and raspberry growers have requested specialized training and the construction of logistics centers.
37 billion som Agricultural support
Funding for these initiatives may be provided through the 2027 agricultural support budget or via 'Agroholding'.
Context
The issues are affecting several regions of the Issyk-Kul oblast, including the Issyk-Kul, Tyup, and Ak-Suu districts.
