The Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control Service conducted inspections at the markets of Bishkek and Osh aimed at identifying unscrupulous sellers who might pass off potatoes from China as locally produced products.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, there are indeed potatoes imported from China on the market, but no facts of their sale under the Kyrgyz brand have been found. Experts from the ministry noted that there are no grounds for restricting imports, as this would contradict the commitments made under the World Trade Organization, which provides for mutual trade between member states, including the export of Kyrgyz potatoes to China.
The ministry also urged farmers engaged in potato cultivation to promptly sell their products. The agency emphasized that some agricultural producers are holding potatoes in warehouses, waiting for prices to rise.
Currently, the average retail price for imported potatoes from China is 38–40 soms, while local potatoes can be purchased for 42–44 soms. The wholesale price for domestic products ranges from 35 to 40 soms.
Experts predict that early potatoes from the Aravan district will soon start arriving on the market, which should help stabilize prices. In this regard, the Ministry of Agriculture warns farmers about the risks of product spoilage in case of prolonged storage, which could lead to financial losses.
