According to Idrisov, the initiative for winter crops started last year, as the republic does not fully provide itself with food wheat. "This is due to the fact that to date we do not fully meet our needs for this important product," he noted.
The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture added that transitioning 100% of wheat and barley sowings to winter crops could lead to increased yields. This, in turn, will allow farmers to increase their production volumes and incomes. Furthermore, this increase in production will contribute to strengthening the country's food security.
Idrisov also emphasized that after the completion of the autumn harvest, farmers have a more convenient time for the sowing campaign. During this period, machinery, seeds, and fertilizers are used less intensively than in spring. "Therefore, we strongly encourage farmers to switch to winter sowings," he added.
For the harvest of 2025-2026, 162 thousand hectares of winter crops have already been sown in the republic, of which 152 thousand hectares are wheat and 9 thousand hectares are barley.
Of the total area sown, 63 thousand hectares are on irrigated lands, while 83-86 thousand hectares are on non-irrigated (rainfed) lands.
"Winter crops are being planted in six regions of the country, except for Naryn. Chui region accounts for the largest share of sowings—over 40%. It is followed by Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken regions," concluded Idrisov.
