Kyrgyz Authorities Push for Expanded Winter Wheat Cultivation

The Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan is urging the country’s agribusiness sector to expand the cultivation of winter wheat, citing its higher yields and potential to strengthen national food security.

According to a recent ministry study, winter wheat yields are 20-30 percent higher than those of spring wheat. Officials noted that greater productivity could ensure more stable incomes for farmers, while year-round demand for high-quality grain provides additional incentives for cultivation.

“The vegetation period of winter crops begins earlier, allowing farmers to harvest ahead of spring crops and, if necessary, secure a second harvest. This boosts agribusiness revenue. Autumn sowing also benefits from higher soil moisture, which ensures better germination and deeper plant rooting,” the ministry stated.

President Sadyr Japarov has previously criticized Kyrgyzstan’s reliance on wheat imports, noting that the country currently produces only 40 percent of its domestic wheat needs. The remaining 60 percent is met through imports. During the Soviet era, Kyrgyzstan produced up to 1.5 million tons of wheat annually, exceeding its domestic demand of 1 million tons.

The ministry emphasized that winter wheat cultivation has steadily declined since the early 2000s, when farmers began relying more on imported grain from Kazakhstan and later Russia. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, this year, Kyrgyzstan increased wheat imports from Kazakhstan eightfold due to rising prices for Russian grain.

Currently, Kyrgyz farmers cultivate wheat on 250,000 hectares, producing around 650,000 tons annually. Most of this is spring wheat, which yields approximately 35 percent less than winter varieties. The ministry plans to expand the total sowing area by 100,000 hectares, prioritizing winter wheat to reduce import dependence and enhance food security.

Tags: wheat, Kyrgyz Republic