Spring fieldwork in Kyrgyzstan has begun two weeks earlier than usual this year, according to Turatbek Idrisov, Head of the Department for the Implementation of Crop Production and Horticulture Policies at the Ministry of Agriculture. The early start is attributed to an unusually warm winter that accelerated the arrival of spring.
Farmers received recommendations back in autumn on how to prepare for the season, including moisture conservation practices, soil cultivation, and the timely purchase of seeds and fertilizers. However, over the past week, the pace of fieldwork in the southern regions has slowed somewhat due to unfavorable weather conditions, although the sowing campaign had previously been progressing активно.
The main focus of current fieldwork is on wheat, barley, and potatoes. In the Aravan district of Osh region, more than 400 hectares of potatoes have already been planted, while over 200 hectares have been planted in Jalal-Abad region. In Osh region, 500 hectares of wheat and barley have been sown, and in Chui region more than 2,000 hectares of grain crops have been planted, including 1,500 hectares of barley and 500 hectares of wheat. Seedlings of other vegetable and fruit crops are being grown in greenhouses.
National seed availability exceeds 87%, with sufficient stocks stored at seed farms and large companies’ warehouses. A total of 28,000 tonnes of fertilizers have been imported into the country, of which more than 22,000 tonnes are being distributed through over 40 retail outlets. Seeds of wheat, barley, potatoes, corn, and sainfoin are supplied with a 30% state subsidy.
The readiness of agricultural machinery exceeds 85%, and around 22,000 units of equipment are expected to be involved in the spring campaign. Authorities have allocated 7 million liters of fuel and lubricants at a preferential price of 74 soms per liter. According to the ministry, there is no shortage of diesel fuel in the country, and preparations as well as fieldwork are proceeding as planned.
