Monitoring of Sweet Pepper Farms in Chui Region

On April 9, 2026, a field visit was conducted in the Chui region within the framework of the “Value Chain Agro Finance” project, aimed at monitoring farms engaged in sweet pepper production.

The purpose of the visit was to assess farmer fields, monitor greenhouses used for seedling production, evaluate the condition of planting materials, and provide advisory support to farmers. During the visit, 6 farms were inspected, where transplanting of seedlings into greenhouses had already been completed.

The analysis showed that the main cultivated varieties include “Slonovoe Ukho”, “Slonovaya Noga”, and the locally reproduced variety “Lastochka”. At the same time, a shortage of the highly demanded variety “Polet” was observed. Despite strong demand and good performance last year, it was not supplied to the Kyrgyz market due to external factors. From an economic perspective, the “Ferrari” hybrid remains expensive, while “Slonovoe Ukho” and “Lastochka” are more affordable options for farmers.

In terms of agronomic practices, farmers are adapting to current market conditions. Due to the lack of ammophos, they have shifted to using diammonium phosphate and ammonium nitrate. A shortage of urea was also noted, and consultants recommend substituting it with nitrate while adjusting application rates according to crop needs.

Among the visited farms, there are both experienced farmers and new participants with no prior experience in pepper cultivation. Some farms have submitted requests for fertilizers, while others rely on their own resources. Only two out of six farms use drip irrigation, highlighting the need to further promote this technology.

Several risks were identified during the visit. Changes in credit conditions, specifically the shift from full post-payment to a 50 to 50 model, create challenges for some farmers. There is also a significant increase in fertilizer prices and an expected rise in irrigation water tariffs. In addition, logistical disruptions continue to affect the availability of high-quality seeds.

Based on the findings, several recommendations were made. It is necessary to strengthen informational and advisory support, especially for new participants. Continued promotion of drip irrigation as an efficient water management practice is important. It is also recommended to develop clear guidelines on the use of alternative fertilizers under current shortages in order to prevent potential yield losses.