In Kyrgyzstan, the spring field campaign has begun, starting two weeks earlier than last year due to favorable weather conditions. This was reported by Turatbek Idirisov, head of the department for crop production, horticulture, and cooperation of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, in an interview with the Kabar agency.
Potatoes have been planted on 2,500 hectares, of which 1,700 hectares are in the Osh region, 600 hectares in the Jalal-Abad region, and 80 hectares in Batken. In the Aravan district, 5 hectares of vegetables have also been planted. In the coming days, mass sowing will begin in the northern regions.
Idirisov also emphasized that for full-fledged agricultural activities, the republic needs 182 thousand tons of mineral fertilizers annually. Currently, about 33 thousand tons have been imported, and more than 40 specialized sales points have been opened. The readiness of agricultural machinery is 85%: out of 22,359 tractors involved in the works, 18,912 are already ready to go to the fields.
The provision of grain seeds is at 87%. The government supports farmers by providing a subsidy of 30% for the purchase of seeds through 86 domestic seed-growing enterprises. For other crops, the provision reaches 90-100%. Additionally, 15 million seedlings of fruit and berry crops have been prepared in 24 nurseries.
The issue of providing fuel is under control: the total need for diesel fuel for the season is 42 thousand tons. Farmers can purchase it through the State Material Reserves Fund at a fixed price of 74 soms per liter in each district.
Considering the possible water shortage due to the warm winter, the ministry urges agrarians to actively apply water-saving technologies. The repair of canals and wells, as well as BSR and BDR for uninterrupted irrigation, will continue.
Experts note that despite short-term interruptions in work due to bad weather conditions, spring field works will resume across the country next week.
