On February 19, 2025, a meeting was held with farmers of the agricultural cooperative “Zhar-Bashy.” During the event, participants were provided with detailed information on the business model for growing elite seed potatoes. Additionally, experienced farmers willing to cultivate the “super-super elite” category of potato varieties were selected.

As a result of the meeting, three farmers expressed readiness to grow 3,000 kg each, and two others – 2,500 kg each. This marked an important step toward expanding the project and strengthening the potential of local seed production.

In early March 2025, demonstration plots for growing elite potato varieties of the “Zhar-Bashy” agricultural cooperative were established in the lowland areas of Kara-Suu and Aravan, as well as on March 18 in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The goals of establishing demonstration plots are to:

• test new potato varieties under different climatic conditions;
• study their yield potential and resilience;
• introduce farmers to promising varieties previously unused in the region;
• further expand cultivation in case of successful results and develop stable market channels.

The following potato varieties were planted on the demonstration plots:

• Colomba (RI) – Kara-Suu
• Camelia (Elite) – Kara-Suu
• Colomba (RI) – Aravan
• Camelia (Elite) – Aravan
• Camelia (Elite) – Uzbekistan

As part of the Value Chain Agro Finance project, monitoring and analysis of growth indicators are planned to assess the effectiveness and potential of each variety in practical application.

On February 20, a training session on zero-till technology was held in Kerben, Aksy District of Jalal-Abad Oblast, bringing together 12 farmers eager to adopt innovative agricultural practices.

The session covered the core principles and benefits of zero-till technology, emphasizing its role in enhancing soil fertility, preventing erosion, and reducing production costs. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical insights on integrating this method into their farming operations.

Farmers demonstrated strong engagement, actively participating in discussions, asking insightful questions, and sharing their own experiences. The training equipped them with valuable knowledge to implement zero-till technology effectively, fostering more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices suited to local conditions.

The “Value Chain Agro Finance” project participated in organizing the “Agro Dialogue 2025” Agro-Industrial Forum, organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. The main goal of the event was to motivate farmers who have achieved high results and economic success in crop production.

On the first day of the forum, 16 leading champion farmers in the field of crop production walked down the red carpet to the applause of students from the Agricultural University. They were the main speakers at the event, sharing their experience, conducting workshops for participants from different regions, and showcasing modern methods and advanced technologies used at all stages, from fieldwork to harvest.

On the second day of the forum, successful practices in livestock farming, fish farming, and beekeeping were presented. On the third day, meetings were held with agricultural product processors and representatives of the scientific sector of agricultural production. On January 31st, the champions in various fields were awarded medals by the Ministry of Agriculture, titled “Agriculture Production Champion.”

The forum program included sessions on sharing experiences in areas such as cereal crops, industrial crops, fruits, and berries, as well as presentations on support programs from government bodies and financial institutions.

The forum served as an important platform for enhancing the competitiveness and economic development of the country’s agricultural sector. As a result of the event, best practices will be widely disseminated, and the principles of sustainable development will be reinforced among farmers.

Our GOPA AFC team recently organized a field visit to Kyrgyzstan’s “Koshoi” sugar processing plant as part of the EU, EIB, and KfW-funded “Value Chain Agro Finance” project.

The visit included distinguished guests, such as Ambassador Marilyin Josefson of the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, EIB Vice-President Kyriakos Kakouris, and other EU and EIB representatives. They explored the plant’s sugar production processes, raw material supply chains, and production strategies.

The project aims to strengthen the Koshoi factory’s capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness while supporting 4,000 sugar beet farmers who supply the plant. With KfW and EIB funding, farmers will adopt advanced farming technologies, and Koshoi will upgrade to energy-efficient equipment.

Producing 136,000 tonnes of sugar annually, Koshoi meets domestic demand and exports to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, significantly contributing to economic development and employment in Kyrgyzstan.

We are proud to collaborate with partner banks to provide tailored financial solutions for all stakeholders, fostering sustainable growth in the sugar value chain.

On November 26, 2024, a Consultative Meeting on Technical Assistance to State Laboratories of the Kyrgyz Republic under the “Value Chain Agro Finance” Project was held at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The meeting reviewed the results of joint activities conducted in 2024 within the framework of the project and discussed additional measures to expand the scope of accreditation for state laboratories. Accreditation ensures that laboratory research produces accurate and reproducible testing results that are recognized worldwide. The adoption of new methods for food product testing, supported by the “Value Chain Agro Finance” Project, facilitates the circulation of agricultural and food products in the member states of the EAEU and the European Union.

The “Value Chain Agro Finance” Project highly values the contribution of state laboratories to achieving the project’s objectives and expresses gratitude to all stakeholders for their efforts in enhancing the capacity of the Kyrgyz Republic’s state laboratories.

We successfully completed the next training session as part of the “Berry Growing Agronomist School” organized by the “Mоmо” Association. Participants from all regions of Kyrgyzstan learned modern approaches to berry farming, including land preparation, planting, care, increasing yields, and developing sales skills.

As part of the first stage, a thorough selection process was carried out. Out of more than 500 applications, 50 of the most promising agronomists, farmers, and young professionals from across the country were chosen. The selection criteria included experience in agriculture, professional skill level, and willingness to apply the knowledge gained to develop their regions.

The training began with introductory lectures and seminars conducted by leading international experts. Participants learned the basics of modern berry farming, innovative plant protection methods, and key approaches to marketing and brand development. Practical sessions took place at demonstration plots in Bishkek and Osh, where participants were able to apply theory in practice, mastering the latest irrigation systems and biological pest control techniques.

The program also provided a unique platform for networking. Participants established connections with international companies involved in the production and supply of seedlings, biopesticides, and modern agricultural technologies. These connections will help introduce advanced solutions into Kyrgyzstan’s berry farming sector.

The Berry Growers Association continues to work on the next stages of the program, including advanced training modules and practical workshops, with the goal of forming a professional community of the next generation of agronomists.

This training has become an important step in the development of berry farming and sustainable agriculture in Kyrgyzstan.

The team of the “Value Chain Agro Finance” Project participated and provided direct support in organizing the first regional forum “Organic Expo-Central Asia” that was held on September 20, 2024.

This large-scale event promotes the unification of advocates for the systemic advancement of organic and regenerative agriculture.

As part of the event, the Project team took part in the fair-exhibition of organic and environmentally friendly products, as well as organic technologies.