The national brand competition "One Village - One Product" (OVOP) took place in Bishkek with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This event brought together farmers and producers from all corners of Kyrgyzstan, providing them with a platform to showcase their best products.
As part of the competition, 19 products were awarded special prizes, and three of them received gold, silver, and bronze medals as decided by the jury.
Such events open doors for women entrepreneurs and mothers of many children, giving them the opportunity to turn their home productions into sustainable businesses, receive expert support, and access new markets.
Today, women not only take care of the household but also actively participate in the production of eco-friendly products, representing their regions at the national level.
The guests enjoyed a performance by the "Komuz Samurai" group, created by Japanese volunteers and employees of various organizations, who performed well-known Kyrgyz melodies on the komuz. During the event, tastings and sales of products also took place, allowing participants to demonstrate the quality and uniqueness of their goods.
Hirano Ryuichi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Kyrgyzstan, noted that the "One Village - One Product" project opens up broad opportunities for showcasing national products and promoting them in the international market. He emphasized that the initiative contributes to regional development and supports local producers.
The ambassador also added that in 2023, OVOP was officially recognized as a national economic project, marking an important step towards its institutional strengthening. He reminded that the project has been implemented since 2009 and has demonstrated its effectiveness over this time.
"The products presented within the framework of OVOP are attractive and reflect the unique culture and traditions of each region of Kyrgyzstan," noted Hirano Ryuichi, adding that it is this authenticity and high quality that make the project's goods competitive.
The project started in the Issyk-Kul region, known for its fruits, honey, and clean air. The initiators combined these resources to create eco-friendly products.
Today, the Batken region produces marmalade from apricot pulp and dried apricots, and scrubs for the face are made from the pits, allowing for waste-free production.
The Batken region is famous for its warm climate and abundance of pomegranates, persimmons, figs, and sweet apricots.
"We collect wild dried apricots that are usually not eaten. After drying, they become hard, and we grind them into flour, from which we make healthy cookies in the shape of a flower 'Aigul', adding rice flour," says Aidan Attakurova, a seller at a farmers' shop in Bishkek.
The Naryn region, rich in livestock, focuses on meat products.
"There is currently a trend towards healthy eating, and people are increasingly interested in eco-friendly products," shares food technologist Meerim Abdyrasulova.
The Jalal-Abad region presented pistachio and almond paste at the fair, which grow in this region.
Lip balm with beeswax is a project that trains and helps develop new products from local raw materials.
The Aravan district of the Osh region is known for its persimmons, pomegranates, and figs. Entrepreneurs focus on these fruits, creating chips, juices, and powders for food additives.
Representatives of Uzgen had the idea to make cookies from corn and rice flour in the shape of the Uzgen Tower, as well as to produce healthy rice tea based on the advice of Japanese experts.
"We are currently developing products from rose hips, which are rich in vitamins and beneficial for people," adds Aigerim Umarbaeva, coordinator for the Osh region.
