Kyrgyz farmers are facing challenges in selling their produce, particularly watermelons, melons, and tomatoes, due to competition from imports from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
During a meeting of the Committee on Agricultural Policy, Water Resources, Ecology, and Regional Development on June 24, 2024, Deputy Zamirbek Mamasadykov reported that around 15 trucks loaded with watermelons and melons are standing in Aksy District, unable to find buyers. Farmers have appealed to the government for help as prices for their produce have significantly dropped.
Additionally, farmers from the Osh region have also expressed dissatisfaction due to the decrease in tomato prices, which is linked to the large influx of vegetables from neighboring countries. Mamasadykov noted that Kyrgyz farmers cannot compete with produce from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in terms of price due to different growing conditions and climates.
In response to this, Deputy Balbak Tulobaev proposed a ban on the import of vegetables, fruits, and berries from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. He emphasized that this measure is necessary to support local farmers who are struggling to sell their produce. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kubat Kuseinov stated that this issue would be considered.
Source: tazabek.kg